Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is stepping into the spotlight as Simon Williams in the upcoming Marvel Television series Wonder Man, premiering January 27 on Disney+. The 39-year-old actor opens up about the challenges and excitement of portraying a new kind of hero—an actor navigating Hollywood, friendship, and self-discovery.
Wonder Man is an eight-episode series created by Andrew Guest and Destin Daniel Cretton, known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The show follows Simon Williams, a young actor striving to make it big in Hollywood, who forms a unique bond with fellow actor Trevor Slattery, played by Sir Ben Kingsley. The series is a heartfelt tribute to friendship, dreams, and the city of Los Angeles, offering a fresh take on the Marvel universe.
Abdul-Mateen II, who has previously starred in blockbuster superhero projects, describes this role as a new challenge—portraying an actor himself. Speaking ahead of the show’s premiere, he expressed enthusiasm rather than pressure: “It’s about time! I’m excited to introduce him into the Marvel universe. He’s a really quirky character with a lot of upside and potential.”
In an exclusive interview with Marvel.com, he reflected on what drew him to the project, his experiences working with Kingsley, and the moments that blurred the lines between actor and character.
On the Origin of His Interest in Wonder Man:
“I was initially drawn to Destin Cretton’s work—Just Mercy, Short Term 12—his filmmaking is earnest and heartfelt. When he described the character as awkward, passionate about acting, and relatable, I knew I wanted to be part of it. He wanted to shoot it like an indie, different from typical Marvel shows, which really excited me.”
On the Friendship Between Simon and Trevor:
“Trevor has the expertise, Simon has the passion. Their friendship is about balancing different philosophies—Trevor’s laid-back attitude versus Simon’s drive. They find common ground through their love of acting, which makes their bond really special. It’s a dynamic of two men at different career stages who connect over their craft.”
Memorable Moments with Ben Kingsley:
“One standout moment was in the first episode during an audition scene. Simon is flustered, and Trevor—Sir Ben—tells him to breathe and just go for it. Later, in episodes 6 or 7, I found myself feeling those same nerves. We had a scene in a car where I told him I was feeling what Simon was feeling, and we just let the scene flow naturally. It was a mentor-mentee moment that blurred the lines between actor and character, making it really special.”
Abdul-Mateen II’s portrayal of Wonder Man promises a fresh, heartfelt addition to Marvel’s lineup, blending humor, vulnerability, and Hollywood glamour. Fans can look forward to seeing how he brings this unconventional hero—and his story—to life.