{"id":429052,"date":"2026-01-23T23:33:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T23:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/429052\/"},"modified":"2026-01-23T23:33:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T23:33:20","slug":"wonder-man-season-1-first-reviews-a-grounded-low-stakes-breath-of-fresh-air-for-the-mcu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/429052\/","title":{"rendered":"Wonder Man: Season 1 First Reviews: A Grounded, Low-Stakes Breath of Fresh Air for the MCU"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II<\/a>\u00a0stars as the titular superhero in Wonder Man<\/a>, Marvel\u2019s first live-action TV series in half a year, and he\u2019s earning rave reviews. The meta-comedic show follows Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man, as he pursues a role in Hollywood with help from the returning MCU character Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley<\/a>). As part of the \u201cMarvel Spotlight\u201d banner, this is a smaller, more grounded piece of the franchise, and the first reviews of the show praise its character development, the chemistry between its two stars, and its mostly standalone story.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what critics are saying about Wonder Man:<\/p>\n

Is this another great addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?<\/p>\n

Wonder Man is the best Marvel story in years\u2026 This is everything that made me love Marvel in the first place.
\u2014 Joonatan Itkonen, Region Free<\/a><\/p>\n

Wonder Man stands apart from the rest of the MCU as a warm and witty buddy comedy\u2026 a low-key gem that\u2019s up there with the MCU\u2019s best work.
\u2014 Will Salmon, GamesRadar+<\/a><\/p>\n

Wonder Man is a bromance for the ages\u2026 an introspective MCU journey unlike anything we\u2019ve experienced before, and one that\u2019s well worth your time.
\u2014 Rohan Patel, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Wonder Man\u00a0is a breath of fresh air and exactly the unique content that Marvel Television should continue to produce on its TV side.
\u2014 Kyle Wilson, The Lamplight Review<\/a><\/p>\n

This one just feels like a breath of fresh air for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is well worth the watch.
\u2014 Rachel Leishman, The Mary Sue<\/a><\/p>\n

Wonder Man proves that the most powerful Marvel stories aren\u2019t about saving the world, but about learning how to live in it.
\u2014 M.N. Miller, Geek Vibes Nation<\/a><\/p>\n

More intimate stories like Wonder Man are what give me genuine hope for the future of Marvel.
\u2014 BJ Colangelo, Slashfilm<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Yahya(Photo by Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

How does it compare to other Marvel shows?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s one of the best shows in the MCU to date.
\u2014 Amon Warmann, Empire Magazine<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the most original MCU TV series since WandaVision.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Wonder Man shares an awful lot in common with 2024\u2019s Echo. Like that show, it\u2019s a smaller, character-driven series.
\u2014 Jesse Schedeen, IGN Movies<\/a><\/p>\n

Other Marvel shows have played with their formats before, of course, but they have always reflexively snapped back into the shape of \u201cjust another superhero series\u201d by the end of their runs. Wonder Man, though, is genuinely different.
\u2014 Will Salmon, GamesRadar+<\/a><\/p>\n

Even when the plot clicks fully into gear, the show doesn\u2019t lose its personality with an action-packed, effects-heavy final act, a problem that\u2019s dogged even some of the MCU\u2019s quirkier TV series.
\u2014 Keith Phipps, TV Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

As a Disney+ series,\u00a0Wonder Man\u00a0falls into all the same structural trappings that have been widely criticized in the past\u2026 [It] feels like another movie cut up into pieces.
\u2014 Tyler Taing, Discussing Film<\/a><\/p>\n

Is it not just another stepping stone towards the next Avengers movie?<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t concern itself with setting up the next big event or even earning Simon a place on a superhero team. It\u2019s ultimately all the better for it.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

It was unclear how Williams would fit into the ever-growing MCU\u2026 Happily, the answer is simple: he doesn\u2019t fit in \u2013 and that\u2019s the point.
\u2014 Will Salmon, GamesRadar+<\/a><\/p>\n

You forget while watching that the show is connected back to the MCU\u2026 It really works to allow\u00a0Wonder Man\u00a0to be unique and fun and not find some way to bring it back to the MCU at large.
\u2014 Rachel Leishman, The Mary Sue<\/a><\/p>\n

These smaller-scale projects\u2026 remind audiences that the MCU wasn\u2019t built solely on crossover events, but on compelling individuals whose personal journeys made those larger moments resonate.
\u2014 BJ Colangelo, Slashfilm<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Yahya(Photo by Suzanne Tenner\/Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

Will it remind us of any other series?<\/p>\n

The series will feel familiar if you\u2019ve watched recent series\u00a0The Franchise\u00a0on HBO Max or\u00a0The Studio\u00a0on Apple TV.
\u2014 Julian Lytle, RIOTUS<\/a><\/p>\n

This is effectively Marvel doing a Hollywood meta-comedy, somewhat in the vein of Apple TV\u2019s The Studio.
\u2014 Will Salmon, GamesRadar+<\/a><\/p>\n

If you enjoyed Apple TV\u2019s The Studio, this expertly paced \u201cMarvel Spotlight\u201d will scratch that itch with a superhero twist.
\u2014 Kyle Wilson, The Lamplight Review<\/a><\/p>\n

While it shares some qualities with TV\u2019s last great showbiz satire The Studio, the inside Hollywood humor here is gentler and more realistically observed.
\u2014 Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle<\/a><\/p>\n

Does it still feel like a superhero show?<\/p>\n

It includes enough superpowered intrigue\u2026 All in all, Wonder Man\u00a0is the cure to superhero fatigue, telling a story like no other.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

This is the sort of show you could present to somebody with no interest in comic book characters whatsoever, and they\u2019d still instantly get what it\u2019s doing, where the superpowers add an additional element, but are not the point of the piece.
\u2014 Will Salmon, GamesRadar+<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s often easy to forget, particularly in the early episodes, that, oh yeah,\u00a0Wonder Man\u00a0is also an MCU show. But superpowered tensions simmer throughout the series.
\u2014 Keith Phipps, TV Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s far from the superhero \u201cslop\u201d that has plagued the genre in recent years.
\u2014 Tyler Taing, Discussing Film<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Yahya(Photo by Suzanne Tenner\/Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

How is the writing?<\/p>\n

There\u2019s substance to go with that style, delivering an emotionally moving, powerful story that simultaneously pays off its gags and, perhaps most importantly, makes you care.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The series is wickedly self-aware while also having something to say.
\u2014 Kyle Wilson, The Lamplight Review<\/a><\/p>\n

What makes\u00a0Wonder Man\u00a0so clever and heartfelt [is] its ability to give comic book characters real human feelings, emotions, and situations.
\u2014 M.N. Miller, Geek Vibes Nation<\/a><\/p>\n

The series is carried almost entirely by its two leads, but they\u2019re elevated by sharp writing.
\u2014 Rohan Patel, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Wonder Man\u00a0wants to come across as sharp and witty, but by playing everything at surface level, it\u00a0actually exposes itself as quite out of touch and corporate.
\u2014 Tyler Taing, Discussing Film<\/a><\/p>\n

Is it a funny satire of Hollywood?<\/p>\n

Genuinely funny.
\u2014 Will Salmon, GamesRadar+<\/a><\/p>\n

There\u2019s so much well-observed industry humor that I couldn\u2019t not get a kick out of it.
\u2014 Simon Gallagher, ComicBook.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The series is barely interested in satirizing Hollywood and not really interested in satirizing superhero movies at all.
\u2014 Reuben Baron, Looper.com<\/a><\/p>\n

It fails at a fundamental level by saying nothing of value about the film industry it\u2019s choosing to satirize\u2026 It is neither funny nor scathing enough to pass for satire
\u2014 Tyler Taing, Discussing Film<\/a><\/p>\n

It does not [have] the sharp satirical bite toward the industry in general, or the skepticism toward and critique of big-budget IP filmmaking more specifically\u2026 a missed opportunity.
\u2014 Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Yahya(Photo by Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

Does it have enough action?<\/p>\n

While the series has been billed as a \u201csuperhero\u201d show, viewers should proceed with tempered expectations if they\u2019re anticipating large-scale action.
\u2014 Rohan Patel, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Wonder Man\u00a0has one, yes,\u00a0one\u00a0fight scene\u2026 and not only is that fight brought to life by Cretton\u2019s expert eye for action, but the lack of big stunts never even registers because of how compelling these characters and their stories are.
\u2014 Aidan Kelley, Collider<\/a><\/p>\n

It remains resolutely average in the action sequences.
\u2014 Peter Martin, ScreenAnarchy<\/a><\/p>\n

The one time\u00a0that\u00a0Simon does flex his powers in a fight, it\u00a0actually feels\u00a0a little out of place.
\u2014 Amon Warmann, Empire Magazine<\/a><\/p>\n

Some viewers may be left wanting when it comes to action scenes (alas, there\u2019s no Wonder Man vs. Grim Reaper battle to be found here).
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Is there a standout episode?<\/p>\n

The entirety of the \u201cDoorman\u201d episode is flawless.
\u2014 Simon Gallagher, ComicBook.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The standout fourth episode:\u00a0rendered\u00a0in black-and-white but set in modern times\u2026 is a comedic highlight.
\u2014 Amon Warmann, Empire Magazine<\/a><\/p>\n

With its offbeat humor and a bit of body horror, \u201cDoorman\u201d is reminiscent of the great experimental episodes of shows like Atlanta or Master of None, and the strongest argument for why \u201cWonder Man\u201d needed to be a TV series as opposed to just a long movie.
\u2014 Reuben Baron, Looper.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cDoorman\u201d quickly joins the ranks of other all-time great one-off episodes like \u201cA Dark Quiet Death\u201d from Mythic Quest and, more recently, \u201cHunter\u201d from Heated Rivalry.
\u2014 BJ Colangelo, Slashfilm<\/a><\/p>\n

There is an interesting standalone episode focused on Doorman that explains why super-powered beings are not welcome in Hollywood in this universe, but it ultimately serves little purpose.
\u2014 Alex Maidy, JoBlo\u2019s Movie Network<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Yahya(Photo by Suzanne Tenner\/Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

How is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Wonder Man?<\/p>\n

Abdul-Mateen II is a revelation and delivers one of the MCU\u2019s best performances.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Abdul-Mateen II swiftly proves himself as one of the strongest new additions to the MCU, and one who will hopefully continue to play a significant role as the franchise moves into Phase Six and beyond.
\u2014 Rohan Patel, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The actor walks a fine line between over-enthusiastic and businesslike, which grounds both the character and the show around him.
\u2014 Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle<\/a><\/p>\n

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II brings real pathos to Williams\u2026 [His] performance emphasizes Simon\u2019s vulnerability, broken heart, and general air of bruised decency.
\u2014 Will Salmon, GamesRadar+<\/a><\/p>\n

What about Ben Kingsley\u2019s return to the MCU?<\/p>\n

The best part of\u00a0Wonder Man\u00a0is Kingsley\u2019s Trevor Slattery\u2026 establishing him as one of the most memorable supporting characters in all the MCU.
\u2014 Kyle Wilson, The Lamplight Review<\/a><\/p>\n

Kingsley delivers yet another A+ performance as fan-favorite Trevor Slattery, and he\u2019s arguably never been better\u2026 Kingsley handles the comedy with effortless precision, but it\u2019s in the quieter moments that the former Oscar winner truly shines.
\u2014 Rohan Patel, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Here\u00a0his unique, slightly off-kilter energy is perfectly utilised.\u00a0He\u2019s\u00a0more than just comedic relief this time round:\u00a0he\u2019s\u00a0a fully realised and relatable character.
\u2014 Amon Warmann, Empire Magazine<\/a><\/p>\n

Ben Kingsley\u2019s washed-up thesp, meanwhile, is written with more depth than in previous appearances\u2026 but don\u2019t worry, he remains as singularly hilarious as before.
\u2014 Will Salmon, GamesRadar+<\/a><\/p>\n

A never-ending delight\u2026 avoiding hamminess while indulging camp, there\u2019s no better person than the Gandhi Oscar-winner to extoll acting\u2019s higher calling.
\u2014 Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Yahya(Photo by Suzanne Tenner\/Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

Do the characters have good chemistry?<\/p>\n

The chemistry between Abdul-Mateen II and\u00a0Kingsley\u00a0is excellent, as they play off each other comedically while finding an emotional sweet spot beneath layers of male toxicity.
\u2014 M.N. Miller, Geek Vibes Nation<\/a><\/p>\n

Abdul-Mateen and Kingsley are adorable in their bromance\u2026 Their chemistry, fun, and fizzy with a hint of melancholy, is the main reason to watch\u00a0Wonder Man.
\u2014 Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n

Some might be less enthused watching two actors taking themselves perhaps a little too seriously. It\u2019s a good job then that they\u2019re so damn likable.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley are endlessly watchable in the lead roles.
\u2014 Will Salmon, GamesRadar+<\/a><\/p>\n

Kingsley and Abdul-Mateen II have great chemistry, and their episodic hijinks are never not entertaining. I could\u2019ve watched them for a lot longer than the eight episodes of this series.
\u2014 Julian Lytle, RIOTUS<\/a><\/p>\n

Scenes where the pair are simply bonding over their favourite lines and acting experiences [are] some of the purest\u00a0and sweetest\u00a0in the entire MCU.
\u2014 Amon Warmann, Empire Magazine<\/a><\/p>\n

I still wish this Marvel series had gone even deeper into their dynamic, both mechanically and dramatically.
\u2014 Tyler Taing, Discussing Film<\/a><\/p>\n

Does anyone else stand out?<\/p>\n

X Mayo\u00a0plays Janelle Jackson, Simon\u2019s agent, and steals every scene she\u2019s in with her comic timing and perfect reaction expressions to whatever Simon has planned.
\u2014 Julian Lytle, RIOTUS<\/a><\/p>\n

Joe Pantoliano has a few absolutely hilarious, scene-stealing appearances in this run of episodes.
\u2014 Kyle Wilson, The Lamplight Review<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Yahya(Photo by Suzanne Tenner\/Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

Are there any complaints?<\/p>\n

If the series has any weak points, it\u2019s the decision to gloss over where the title character\u2019s powers came from.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

More story might have been dedicated to Simon\u2019s backstory\u2026 That is a small quibble.
\u2014 M.N. Miller, Geek Vibes Nation<\/a><\/p>\n

Perhaps because of the need to adjust expectations, the first couple of episodes of Wonder Man feel a little slow.
\u2014 Reuben Baron, Looper.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Will it leave us wanting more of Wonder Man?<\/p>\n

I left this series hoping that this was far from the last time we\u2019d see Simon.
\u2014 Rachel Leishman, The Mary Sue<\/a><\/p>\n

I do wish it were longer, and I do hope we see Simon sooner rather than later.
\u2014 Julian Lytle, RIOTUS<\/a><\/p>\n

Wonder Man: Season 1<\/a> premieres on Disney+ on January 27, 2026.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Find Something Fresh! Discover What to Watch, Read Reviews, Leave Ratings and Build Watchlists. Download the Rotten Tomatoes App.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Yahya Abdul-Mateen II\u00a0stars as the titular superhero in Wonder Man, Marvel\u2019s first live-action TV series in half a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":429053,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[49,48,75,3079,337,5131,14349,348],"class_list":["post-429052","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-movies","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-entertainment","tag-marvel-cinematic-universe","tag-movies","tag-streaming","tag-superheroes","tag-tv"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/429052","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=429052"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/429052\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/429053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=429052"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=429052"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=429052"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}