Wonder Man is Marvel Studios’ most playful experiment yet — a comedy series that turns Hollywood itself into the stage for a struggling actor’s journey. The story follows Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery, two performers who want nothing more than a real shot at success. Their problem? The industry has introduced a new rule that bans superheroes from acting, making their lives even more complicated once powers enter the picture.
Instead of focusing on world-ending battles, the series looks at the everyday chaos of auditions, ego, rejection, and hope. It blends Marvel’s familiar universe with a sharp, self-aware look at fame and the acting business. At its heart, Wonder Man is about ambition, insecurity, second chances, and what it really takes to survive in Hollywood; even when the world keeps telling you no.
Wonder Man (2026) Release Date & Platform
Wonder Man premieres January 27, 2026, exclusively on Disney+.
All eight episodes will drop on the same day as part of Marvel’s Phase Six rollout, marking the first MCU release of the year. The series was originally planned for late 2025 but shifted to avoid holiday clashes and to position the show more strategically under the “Marvel Spotlight” banner — Marvel’s home for character-driven, street-level stories with lighter continuity requirements.
Episodes
Below is a list ofWonder Man episodes releasing on January 27, 2026.
| Episode | Title | Director | Writer(s) | Original Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matinee | Destin Daniel Cretton | Andrew Guest | Jan 27, 2026 |
| 2 | Self-Tape | Destin Daniel Cretton | Andrew Guest | Jan 27, 2026 |
| 3 | Pacoima | James Ponsoldt | Paul Welsh & Madeline Walter | Jan 27, 2026 |
| 4 | Doorman | James Ponsoldt | Zeke Nicholson | Jan 27, 2026 |
| 5 | Found Footage | Tiffany Johnson | Anayat Fakhraie | Jan 27, 2026 |
| 6 | Call Back | Tiffany Johnson | Roja Gashtili, Julia Lerman, A. Guest | Jan 27, 2026 |
| 7 | Kathy Friedman | Stella Meghie | Kira Talise, Andrew Guest | Jan 27, 2026 |
| 8 | Yucca Valley | Stella Meghie | Andrew Guest | Jan 27, 2026 |
Wonder Man (2026) Premise
Simon Williams, a failed actor desperate for legitimacy, auditions for the lead role in a remake of Wonder Man — a fictional film within the MCU. Along the way, he forms an unlikely partnership with Trevor Slattery, who is also seeking redemption after years of being dismissed as a joke in Hollywood. As Simon begins manifesting superpowers he never wanted, he must keep them hidden because of the “Doorman Clause,” a new regulation that forbids powered individuals from working in film or television.
Cast & Characters
Below are full character sections with actor backgrounds and where audiences have seen them before.
Simon Williams / Wonder Man: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as Simon Williams, a struggling actor who accidentally becomes one of the MCU’s most powerful individuals. Abdul-Mateen is known for high-profile roles such as Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen, Black Manta in Aquaman, and Bobby Seale in The Trial of the Chicago 7. Here, he plays a character torn between fame, family trauma, and unexpected responsibilities.
Trevor Slattery:Ben Kingsley
Ben Kingsley reprises his beloved role as Trevor Slattery, last seen in Iron Man 3 and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Kingsley brings depth and comedic timing to a character who has gone from washed-up actor to accidental participant in major MCU events. In this series, Slattery seeks one final chance at respectability.
Janelle Jackson: X Mayo
X Mayo plays Janelle Jackson, Simon’s sharp, no-nonsense agent. Mayo is known for her work on The Daily Show, NBC’s American Auto, and The Blackening. Her performance brings grounded humor and tough love to Simon’s chaotic career.
Von Kovak: Zlatko Burić
Zlatko Burić portrays Von Kovak, the eccentric and reclusive director helming the in-universe Wonder Man remake. Burić is widely recognized for his roles in Pusher, White Noise, and Triangle of Sadness, often playing morally ambiguous or flamboyant characters.
P. Cleary: Arian Moayed
Arian Moayed reprises his MCU role as P. Cleary, the stern Department of Damage Control agent first seen in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Ms. Marvel. Known also for Succession and Inventing Anna, Moayed brings comedic intensity to his antagonistic presence in the series.
Martha Williams: Shola Adewusi
Shola Adewusi plays Martha Williams, Simon’s mother. Adewusi is known for her roles in Little Britain, Bob Hearts Abishola, and several British television staples. She adds emotional grounding to Simon’s backstory.
Eric Williams / Grim Reaper: Demetrius Grosse
Demetrius Grosse portrays Eric Williams — Simon’s older brother who leads a conventional life in insurance but hides darker emotional complexities. Grosse’s prior credits include Lovecraft Country, The Rookie, and Fear the Walking Dead.
DeMarr Davis / Doorman: Byron Bowers
Byron Bowers joins as DeMarr Davis, also known as Doorman. Bowers is recognized for Honey Boy, The Chi, and stand-up appearances. His character plays a key role in the storyline involving the Doorman Clause, which reshapes Hollywood for powered individuals.
Vivian: Olivia Thirlby
Olivia Thirlby appears as Vivian. Known for Dredd, Juno, and The L Word: Generation Q, Thirlby brings her trademark blend of sincerity and quiet intensity to the role.
Additional Cast
Joe Pantoliano (as himself), Josh Gad (as himself), Ed Harris (Neal Saroyan), Béchir Sylvain (Sanford), Kameron J. Meadows (young Simon), Juliette Ortega (Melanie), Mario Lopez (himself), and others round out the ensemble, with several roles remaining undisclosed.
Also, Read – 20 Best MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) Movies
FAQ
When does Wonder Man release?
Wonder Man releases on January 27, 2026, with all eight episodes streaming on Disney+.
Where can I watch Wonder Man?
The series is available exclusively on Disney+, released globally on the same day.
How many episodes does Wonder Man have?
Wonder Man consists of eight episodes, all dropping simultaneously.
Who stars in Wonder Man?
The series stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams and Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery, alongside X Mayo, Arian Moayed, and more.
