Wonder Man Review: Marvel’s Most Surprising and Emotional MCU Series Yet

Just like the show my review is delayed but better late than never because this show is something special. (Reviews of episode 1-2 can be found in a different post.) This “Special Presentation” from Marvel Studios really did change the game for the MCU, as well as being one of the best live action shows we have had in a while.

Episodes 3 through 8 of Wonder Man shift the show from a quirky setup into a surprisingly emotional character study about identity, fame, and trust. At the center is Simon Williams, played with nervous vulnerability by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and his unlikely mentor Trevor Slattery, whose mix of comedy and regret is elevated by Ben Kingsley.

Episode 3 grounds the series by diving into Simon’s family life, showing how isolated he feels even among people who love him. His powers simmer just beneath the surface, reinforcing that his biggest struggle isn’t strength, but control. Episode 4 briefly breaks away with a stylized origin story for Doorman (played by Byron Bowers), featuring a scene-stealing cameo by Josh Gad. It adds satire and context to why powered people are banned from Hollywood. Seriously though the comedic scenes in this show are so well written and timed. 

Episodes 5 and 6 refocus on Simon and Trevor’s bond as they chase an acting breakthrough while dodging exposure. The callback episode is a turning point: Simon succeeds only when he stops performing and starts being honest, marking real growth. But that progress is undercut when Trevor is detained by the Department of Damage Control, revealing the cost of his past mistakes.

Episode 7 is the emotional breaking point. A journalist threatens Simon’s secret, and Trevor admits he’s been feeding information to authorities. The betrayal triggers Simon’s most destructive power surge yet, destroying a soundstage and pushing him toward becoming a public threat. I love the instability of his powers because it just goes to show the audience that he doesn’t want to be a hero. Simon's only goal is to become a famous actor and these powers just tend to get in the way, at least that's the way that I viewed it. 

The finale reframes everything. Trevor sacrifices himself by reviving his old Mandarin persona to take the blame, while Simon embraces his powers fully. The season ends with Simon breaking Trevor out of custody and flying off with him in a scene that you normally see from the hero saving the love interest so I liked that moment a lot. 

Overall, the back half of Wonder Man trades spectacle for character, using Hollywood satire to tell a surprisingly human superhero story, and I cannot wait for Destin Daniel Cretton's take on spiderman this summer. He gave so much heart to the character of wonderman, and shang chi. I'd love to see him handle more MCU projects.