Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is continuing his work with comic book franchises, as he will reportedly star as the titular character in the upcoming Wonder Man series for Disney+. Deadline broke the news, with the series that was first announced in June beginning to round out its cast.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed the first details surrounding the series earlier this year, with Destin Daniel Cretton developing the show while Andrew Guest serves as head writer and executive producer. Cretton is becoming increasingly involved with the MCU, helming projects such as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the upcoming sequel. In addition, the filmmaker will lead the next Avengers installment, with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty currently in development.
Wonder Man is a character that's long been established by Marvel Comics, first appearing in 1964. The character, Simon Williams, has emerged as both a villain and an ally, being the son of a wealthy industrialist with an interesting relationship with Stark Industries. He is a crucial character in the formation of the West Coast Avengers group and is often portrayed as a character who is famous outside his super-powered abilities. Given Mateen's experience in the comic book realm, it's hard to argue with the casting choice from Marvel Studios.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is the Latest Actor to Transition From DC to Marvel
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is making a name for himself in Hollywood if he hasn't already. He is one of several actors who have starred in both the DC Universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe once he officially joins the upcoming Wonder Man series. Mateen first appeared in the 2018 film Aquaman, playing one of the antagonists, the Black Manta, otherwise known as David Kane. He is set to reprise his role in the upcoming sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, arriving in theaters on December 25, 2023.
In addition, Mateen is known for his role as Cal Abar in HBO's limited series Watchmen. The actor received universal praise for his performance, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Recently, Mateen starred in The Matrix Resurrections as Morpheus, a role previously held by Laurence Fishburne. Earlier this year, the actor appeared alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in Michael Bay's latest film, Ambulance.
Mateen has every quality needed to give a fantastic performance as the titular character in Wonder Man, and for now, fans will wait for official word from Marvel Studios. Until then, audiences can look forward to the next entry in the MCU, with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever gearing up for release in theaters on Nov. 11 and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special following it on Disney+ next month on Nov. 25.