With Wonder Man joining Disney+ in January 2026, one of the biggest questions among fans is where the series fits within the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline. Simon Williams is a character with deep comic history, Trevor Slattery has appeared in multiple MCU films, and the show introduces new rules — like the Doorman Clause — that shift the status of superheroes in Hollywood. Because of these elements, the timeline placement matters both for continuity and for understanding how this new story connects to the rest of Phase Six.
Below is a clear breakdown of when Wonder Man takes place in the MCU, how it fits between earlier films, and why its position in the timeline matters for future storytelling.
Where Wonder Man Takes Place in the MCU
Wonder Man takes place after Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) and after the events of Phase Four, during the lead-up to Marvel’s Phase Six timeline.
It occurs at a time when the MCU’s Hollywood has introduced new laws regulating powered individuals — suggesting the series is set closer to the present MCU era rather than earlier phases.
Trevor Slattery’s Return Helps Confirm the Timeline
Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery last appeared in Shang-Chi, where he was held captive by the Ten Rings and eventually helped Shang-Chi during the film’s final battle. That movie ended with Trevor safely alive and free — making Wonder Man the next chapter in his journey.
Because Trevor is living openly in Hollywood again and no longer in hiding, the series clearly takes place after the events of Shang-Chi and its post-credits scenes.
His comedic “three-act arc,” as Marvel describes it, completes across:
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Iron Man 3 (2013)
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Shang-Chi (2021)
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Wonder Man (2026)
This chronology confirms the show is set well into the MCU’s modern era.
How the Doorman Clause Affects the Timeline
One of the show’s biggest world-building elements is the Doorman Clause — a legal ban preventing superpowered individuals from working in the entertainment industry.
This policy does not exist in any earlier MCU material, including:
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Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
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Ms. Marvel (2022)
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She-Hulk (2022), which heavily covers legal issues
The introduction of this new restriction suggests:
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The MCU public has grown increasingly fearful or skeptical of powered people.
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It may reflect the political atmosphere leading into Phase Six (possibly related to mutants, vigilantes, and escalating superhuman incidents).
Because legislation of this magnitude would develop after years of growing superhero scrutiny, the Doorman Clause places Wonder Man closer to the late Phase Five / early Phase Six era of the MCU.
How Wonder Man Connects to the MCU’s Hollywood
Marvel executives have confirmed that Wonder Man is a satire of the MCU’s version of Hollywood — meaning it exists in a world where:
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Superhero movies exist as in-universe productions.
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Actors like Trevor Slattery are celebrities with scandalous histories.
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Public opinion about powered individuals shapes casting, studio decisions, and legal policies.
This matches the post-Endgame era, where heroes and villains have reshaped global politics, economies, and culture. The entertainment industry reacting with strict bans makes sense only after the world has fully processed the fallout of Thanos, the Snap, and subsequent crises.
Simon Williams’ Storyline Suggests a Post-Phase Four Setting
Simon Williams is introduced as:
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A working actor
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Experiencing industry-wide bias
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Navigating an entertainment landscape filled with superhero references
This environment resembles the MCU after the rise of:
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The Avengers
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Now-public powered individuals
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Widespread awareness of alien attacks, sorcery, and superhuman threats
His struggle only makes sense in a Hollywood fully aware of — and tired of — superhumans.
Thus, Simon’s story cannot be earlier than Phase Four.
Exact Placement: Most Likely Between Phase Five and Early Phase Six
Based on everything we know, Wonder Man most likely takes place:
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After Shang-Chi
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After She-Hulk
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After the rise of Damage Control’s influence
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Before the large-scale Phase Six crossover events
Marvel calling the show a “Marvel Spotlight” series also implies it sits at a slight distance from major cosmic or multiverse arcs happening concurrently.
It is grounded, character-centric, and loosely connected — much like Echo or Werewolf by Night.
How Wonder Man Might Influence the MCU Timeline
While the series doesn’t directly push the multiverse storyline forward, it may be setting up:
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The West Coast Avengers, since Wonder Man was a founding member in the comics.
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Mutant integration, because the Doorman Clause parallels real-world power discrimination (and MCU fans see it as a stepping stone for X-Men world-building).
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Future street-level or Hollywood-based stories, especially within the “Marvel Spotlight” category.
Wonder Man takes place after Shang-Chi, after Phase Four’s major events, and during the early stretch of the MCU’s Phase Six continuity.
It sits in a grounded, character-driven pocket of the timeline, independent of the larger multiverse saga but still connected through characters like Trevor Slattery, P. Cleary, and broader MCU politics.
FAQ
When does Wonder Man take place in the MCU?
Wonder Man is set after Shang-Chi and the events of Phase Four, during the early timeline of Marvel’s Phase Six.
Is Wonder Man before or after Shang-Chi?
The series takes place after Shang-Chi, following Trevor Slattery’s release and return to Hollywood.
Does Wonder Man connect to the larger MCU storyline?
Yes, but loosely. It ties into Damage Control, the Doorman Clause, and Trevor Slattery’s arc while staying grounded under Marvel Spotlight.
Is Wonder Man set before Avengers 5?
Yes. The series occurs before the major crossover events planned in Phase Six.
