For the past few years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been experimenting with a lot of new ideas. Recent phases have focused on introducing many different characters and storylines, hoping to find what resonates with audiences. While some projects, like *Eternals* (which had big implications for the MCU’s main universe) and the *Secret Invasion* Disney+ series featuring the powerful character G’iah, haven’t quite taken off, others have been successful. *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* and *Thunderbolts* are examples of recent wins for the MCU.
Now that Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is underway, Marvel Studios is prioritizing quality over releasing a large number of projects. Even highly anticipated films like *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Avengers: Secret Wars* have been pushed back to ensure they meet expectations. While some upcoming projects, such as *Wonder Man*, are shrouded in secrecy, it’s been revealed that this hero was almost introduced to the MCU eight years ago.
James Gunn Had Big Plans for MCU Wonder Man
James Gunn’s *Guardians of the Galaxy* films are mostly set in outer space. The first movie briefly starts on Earth in Missouri, showing a young Peter Quill losing his mother, but he quickly leaves and never returns. He becomes known as Star-Lord, joining the Ravagers and working as a thief. However, his encounter with an Infinity Stone—the Power Stone—changes everything. He transitions from a thief to a hero, determined to prevent Ronan the Accuser from obtaining it. Along the way, he teams up with a group of unique individuals, and together they become the Guardians of the Galaxy.
The next *Guardians of the Galaxy* film introduces Ego, a powerful being who is also Star-Lord’s father. Ego plans to conquer the galaxy, and that includes Earth. While filming *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2*, the crew visited Star-Lord’s home planet, and director James Gunn included a cameo from his friend Nathan Fillion. Fillion played Simon Williams, an actor who later becomes a hero, and posters were created hinting at a future role playing Tony Stark in a movie. Ultimately, these scenes with Fillion were cut from the final film. Gunn believes keeping the posters would have set up an interesting storyline for future movies.
The MCU Is Big Enough for Two Wonder Men
Many viewers felt it was a missed opportunity to feature Wonder Man, a significant character, only briefly in a recent movie. James Gunn, however, has expressed his fondness for the character and thought Alan Tudyk (who played Fillion) would have been a good fit for the part. Marvel Studios could have benefited from considering this, as it would have allowed them to expand Tudyk’s role and create interesting interactions with the new version of Simon Williams. Currently, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is set to play Williams in the *Wonder Man* series, where his character is an aspiring actor hoping to land a role on a superhero TV show. Luckily, he’ll have some help from veteran actor Trevor Slattery, who will guide him through the industry – though Slattery is often more trouble than he’s worth.
Nathan Fillion’s version of the character could have offered valuable guidance to a rising star. Having him in the story would also have opened the door to exploring the unusual aspects of the entertainment world. Perhaps the original Williams changed his name to gain respect, and the new character would have needed to seek him out to reclaim it. This encounter could have launched both actors on a classic Marvel adventure – battling villains and discovering their heroic potential.
Unfortunately, that idea hasn’t worked out, as Marvel Studios didn’t realize the positive impact promotional posters could have. *Wonder Man* will begin streaming on Disney+ in December 2025.
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2025-10-11 15:11