The MCU Just Ripped Off A Classic Simpsons Episode, 32 Years On

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While the Marvel Cinematic Universe has thrived with its movies, its TV shows haven’t had quite the same level of success, partly because of the sheer amount of content being released by different streaming services. Still, some of the Disney+ series, like WandaVision and Loki, have been major hits. Now, Marvel Studios has launched Wonder Man, a new limited series that’s a bit of a departure for the MCU. The story follows actor Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and former star Trevor Slatterly (Ben Kingsley), and it’s both humorous and heartwarming. One episode, in particular, explores the darker side of celebrity in a way that’s reminiscent of The Simpsons.

The fourth episode of Wonder Man, titled “Doorman,” tells the story of DeMarr Davis (played by Byron Bowers). DeMarr is a nightclub doorman who gets superpowers after being exposed to toxic waste from the Roxxon Corporation. He can create portals through his own body and uses this ability to rescue people from a fire, including actor Josh Gad. Gad then helps DeMarr become famous, first as a bodyguard and then as an actor playing a superhero nicknamed “Doorman.” Doorman becomes a viral sensation thanks to his signature phrase, “Ding Dong!”

As often happens in Hollywood, DeMarr’s initial success didn’t last. The public quickly grew tired of his signature “Doorman” gag, and online criticism turned harsh, labeling him a one-trick pony whose moment in the spotlight was over. This negativity deeply affected him, leading to substance abuse. Eventually, a mistake on set left actor Josh Gad trapped in a terrifying alternate reality. DeMarr’s career ended in disgrace, and the government took control, implementing the “Doorman Clause” to prevent similar situations with individuals who have enhanced abilities on film sets.

Wonder Man Just Did A Riff On The Simpons Episode “Bart Gets Famous”

As a huge Simpsons fan, I always thought the episode where Bart gets famous was brilliant. It aired way back in 1994, and it really nailed how quickly people can become celebrities – and how empty it can be. Basically, Bart accidentally messes up Krusty the Clown’s show while he’s on set, and then just blurts out “I didn’t do it!” on camera. For some reason, the audience loves it, and suddenly he’s famous! But it quickly becomes annoying because everyone just wants him to repeat that one line. It’s sad watching him go from being thrilled with the attention to realizing he’s just become a joke. He eventually understands that making people laugh can be good, even if it’s silly. The really heartbreaking part is that by the time he tries to do something real, everyone’s already moved on. His fifteen minutes were up, and all that’s left are some cheap souvenirs. It’s a really insightful episode about fame and how fleeting it can be.

While The Simpsons is clearly more comedic, both it and Wonder Man share a similar message: often, fame isn’t earned through genuine skill, and that kind of fleeting popularity can make a career unstable. The Simpsons episode “Bart Gets Famous” likely inspired Wonder Man’s “Doorman,” at least in showing how to explore the challenges of fame within a half-hour comedy. With DeMarr’s catchphrase, “Ding Dong!,” and the casting of Josh Gad, Wonder Man almost feels like a deliberate tribute to The Simpsons, likely created by a team that admires the show.

It’s pretty amazing that you can now watch both The Simpsons and the new Wonder Man series on Disney+. Join the conversation about Wonder Man and other Marvel shows on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-01 17:10