Ahead of its Disney+ debut, Marvel Television’s Wonder Man is already making noise and not because of explosive set pieces or multiverse chaos. Instead, early critical reviews suggest the series succeeds by doing something refreshingly unexpected such as slowing down and letting its characters breathe.
With critics praising its grounded storytelling, intimate tone, and standout performances, Wonder Man has debuted with an impressive 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling strong momentum as Marvel continues to redefine its television slate.
A Superhero Story Rooted In Hollywood Reality
At its core, Wonder Man follows Simon Williams played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Trevor Slattery portrayed by Ben Kingsley as they navigate the competitive, often unforgiving world of Hollywood. Both men are vying for roles in a remake of the fictional Wonder Man film—an ironic and self-aware setup that allows the series to explore ambition, identity, and artistic survival through a superhero lens.
Rather than leaning heavily into MCU spectacle, the show embraces a character-first approach, framing its story around struggling actors and personal reinvention. That choice appears to be resonating deeply with critics.
Critical Praise Highlights A Creative Shift For Marvel
SlashFilm’s BJ Colangelo described Wonder Man as “Marvel’s love letter to struggling actors,” adding that its more intimate storytelling gave him “genuine hope” for the future of the MCU. He emphasized that the series reinforces a core truth often lost in larger franchises: heroes matter most when they feel human first, and super second.
Similarly, Julian Lytle of RIOTUS called the series “very well-made and quirky,” noting that it works best when unburdened by heavy MCU connections. While he wished the show were longer, Lytle expressed enthusiasm about seeing Abdul-Mateen II’s Simon Williams return in future Marvel projects.
ComicBookMovie’s Josh Wilding echoed that sentiment, writing, “Yahya Abdul-Mateen II steals the show in this delightfully original two-hander about friendship, acting, and being true to yourself”. He went further, labeling Wonder Man “the cure to superhero fatigue” and the most original Marvel TV offering since WandaVision.
Not Without Criticism Bbut Still A Standout
While the majority of reviews skew positive, some critics offered measured reservations. The consensus remains clear: Wonder Man represents a meaningful step forward in Marvel’s television storytelling.
The series was co-created by Destin Daniel Cretton—director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: Brand New Day—alongside Andrew Guest, signaling a deliberate pivot toward emotional nuance and character-driven narratives. Supporting performances from Demetrius Grosse, Lauren Glazier, X Mayo, Zlatko Burić, and Arian Moayed further flesh out the world surrounding its leads.
A Promising Chapter In Marvel Television
As Marvel recalibrates its approach in a crowded superhero landscape, Wonder Man arrives as a reminder that smaller stories can still carry enormous impact. With its thoughtful commentary on fame, friendship, and self-worth, the series positions itself not just as another MCU entry, but as one of its most introspective. With that being said, all eight episodes of Wonder Man premiere on Disney+ on January 27th, 2026. Be sure to check it out!