Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on Whether Wonder Man Will Interact With Other MCU Characters (& If He Could Have Beat Thanos)

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gaining a new hero with the upcoming Disney+ series *Wonder Man*, set to premiere in January 2026. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will play Simon Williams, a character well-known to comic book fans for his compelling backstory and powerful abilities. What makes *Wonder Man* particularly interesting is its unique, self-aware storytelling style – something Marvel hasn’t really explored before. As with any new addition to the MCU, fans are already speculating about Wonder Man’s potential role in future stories.

While at New York Comic Con, actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II discussed the possibility of reprising his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He expressed hope that he’ll get the chance, saying the decision ultimately rests with the writers and producers. He’s particularly interested in further exploring his character, Simon Williams, and showcasing the full scope of his ambitions and transformation. He feels it would be compelling to show audiences Simon’s journey – both his initial drive and what happens when he finally achieves his goals, and how that changes him. He’s eager to see where Simon’s story goes if he gets what he’s been working towards.

Abdul-Mateen considered if his version of Wonder Man could defeat Thanos from the Avengers movies. He explained that it depends on which version of Wonder Man you’re talking about – the one from his upcoming show, or the character as he’s been portrayed in the comics. Currently, he believes Wonder Man would put up a good fight.

Will Wonder Man Have a Future in the MCU?

With the Marvel Cinematic Universe at a turning point, Kevin Feige is making changes to how Marvel makes movies and TV shows, especially after the mixed results of the Multiverse Saga. A big part of this is a new focus on longer-running TV series, like *Daredevil: Born Again*, which has already been renewed for a third season. Currently, *Wonder Man* is planned as a limited series, similar to many previous Marvel shows on Disney+. Whether *Wonder Man* gets another season will depend on if it fits into Marvel’s broader television strategy.

How well audiences receive *Wonder Man* will likely decide its future. If viewers enjoy its unique, self-aware style and see it as a welcome change for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios might consider continuing the story. While *Avengers: Secret Wars* will reshape the franchise, it won’t be a complete restart. Recent reports suggest Marvel intends to subtly revise or replace some storylines they’re not satisfied with. However, if *Wonder Man* receives negative or lukewarm responses and doesn’t connect with viewers, the character of Simon Williams might be left out when Marvel begins its next chapter after *Secret Wars*.

It’s worth noting that there’s been a change in which comic book characters are getting their own movies and TV shows. During the big superhero wave of the 2010s, films like *Guardians of the Galaxy*, *Aquaman*, and *Captain Marvel* were huge successes, showing studios they could make hits with characters beyond the most famous ones. Now, with changing movie trends and some viewers getting tired of superheroes, we’re seeing a return to focusing on the most popular heroes like Superman and Spider-Man. Projects featuring lesser-known characters, like DC’s *The Authority*, are having a harder time getting made. *Wonder Man* being a TV show could actually help it succeed, as TV might be a better place for these characters where there’s less pressure to perform at the box office. However, even if *Wonder Man* is well-received, Marvel might still choose to prioritize its more popular characters.

Let’s hope Wonder Man sticks around in the MCU! The show seems like a really innovative addition to the franchise, proving there are still plenty of fresh stories to tell after 25 years of superhero dominance. Plus, Yahya Abdul-Mateen is a talented actor who deserves the chance to really grow with the character over multiple films and shows. The comics actually feature Wonder Man as a member of the West Coast Avengers, which means he has a built-in history of teamwork and heroism.

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2025-10-12 18:42