Marvel's Wonder Man Preview Unveils Marvel's Most Self-Referential TV Show Ever

Marvel is aware that audiences might be feeling some superhero exhaustion, so they've opted to incorporate this exact concept into their next superhero series.

Indeed, the debut trailer for Wonder Man has arrived, and it pledges a self-referential angle on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The trailer, which premiered on October 10th, also subtly pushed the Wonder Man launch date back from its initial late 2025 window into early 2026.

Why another superhero movie? People is weary of superheroes. Why go see them in the theater? Wonder Man spoke to me on a profound level. There is an opportunity to shock audiences. To reinvent the whole genre of storytelling.

The interviewer replies: "Have you given any thought about the cast?"

The trailer then transitions to series star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who's viewing the interview on his mobile device, and the preview ends.

Image: Marvel Comics Group

Key Details About Wonder Man

We were previously aware that Wonder Man would be a meta take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The show features Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, a Hollywood actor who transforms into a superhero (the hero Wonder Man).

The rest of the cast features actor Ben Kingsley reprising his role as Iron Man 3's Trevor Slattery, Demetrius Grosse as Eric Williams (also known as Grim Reaper), Ed Harris as Simon's agent Neal Saroyan, and Arian Moayed returning as Department of Damage Control officer P. Cleary.

Marvel's Meta-Humor Approach

We have limited information about the plot of Wonder Man, but it's evident that the studio plans to poke some fun at itself.

In the wake of Deadpool & Wolverine, it appears like the studio is all in on meta-humor. Will that work without the star power of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman? Only time will tell.