The Marvel Universe is about to get a new addition, and it all started as a joke. The eight-part series, 'Wonder Man', starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Sir Ben Kingsley, began as a light-hearted idea from Executive Producer Destin Daniel Cretton. He pitched the concept of 'Trevor Goes To Hollywood' to his producer, Jonathan Schwartz, and the rest is history.
Cretton's love for Sir Ben Kingsley's character, Trevor Slattery, in 'Shang-Chi', sparked the initial idea. He envisioned a show where Slattery, the charismatic and underutilized character, would embark on a Hollywood journey. The pitch evolved into a full-fledged series, with the addition of a poster designed by the art department, depicting Trevor in a 1980s convertible. This visual representation solidified the show's unique identity.
The series takes an intriguing turn as it explores the life of Simon Williams, a struggling actor with hidden superpowers. The 'Doorman Clause' adds an interesting layer to the narrative, prohibiting individuals with supernatural abilities from working in the film and TV industry. This clause becomes a central conflict for Williams, who must conceal his powers while pursuing his dream role in the remake of 'Wonder Man'.
Working with Sir Ben Kingsley is a 'labor of respect' for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. He shared a valuable lesson from his collaboration with the legendary actor: treating the time between 'action and cut' as sacred. This approach allowed the camera to capture the raw emotion between the actors, creating a unique and captivating on-screen dynamic.
However, the production of 'Wonder Man' faced challenges. The series was almost halfway through production when the strike hit, raising concerns about its future. Executive Producer Andrew Guest acknowledges the risk Marvel took with this unconventional project, which gained support from the Marvel team despite the industry-wide disruption.
As the series unfolds, viewers will witness the journey of Simon Williams, navigating the complexities of Hollywood while keeping his superpowers hidden. The show promises a blend of humor, drama, and the iconic Marvel universe, leaving audiences eager to see how this atypical series unfolds.
