Wonder Man Review: Marvel’s New Disney+ Series Is the MCU’s Best Since ‘Loki’

Marvel Studios is kicking off 2026 with a bang as Wonder Man makes its long-awaited debut on Disney+ this Friday, 27 January. All eight episodes will drop simultaneously at 6 p.m. PT, giving fans a full season to binge over the weekend. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as struggling Hollywood stuntman-turned-powerhouse Simon Williams and Ben Kingsley reprising his fan-favorite Trevor Slattery, Wonder Man leans into Marvel’s meta side. Early critics’ reactions praise the show’s satirical look at the superhero industrial complex while still packing the high-impact action viewers expect from the MCU. IGN’s spoiler-free premiere review calls the pilot “a refreshing shot of self-aware comedy that lands its emotional punches” and singles out Abdul-Mateen’s performance as “electric”. Plot details remain tightly sealed, but trailers confirm that Simon Williams starts the series as a fearless stunt coordinator on a big-budget superhero flick before an on-set mishap unlocks ionic powers that rival Thor’s strength. Instead of donning tights immediately, Simon grapples with keeping his career afloat, navigating Hollywood egos, and figuring out whether fame or heroism matters more. Kingsley’s Trevor—now a washed-up acting coach—serves as both mentor and comedic foil, guiding Simon through auditions, tabloids, and inevitable clashes with villainous talent agencies. The supporting cast includes Lauren Ridloff as Simon’s sister-in-law Andrea, a paparazzi-dodging publicist; Randall Park as damage-control agent Jimmy Woo; and newcomer Amara La Negra as media mogul Lotus, rumored to be the season’s big bad. Behind the camera, Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton shares show-running duties with Brooklyn Nine-Nine veteran Phil Augusta Jackson, promising a mix of blockbuster set pieces and razor-sharp sitcom timing. How to watch: Wonder Man streams exclusively on Disney+. Subscribers can hit play at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET on 27 January and download episodes for offline viewing. A physical 4K Blu-ray release is reportedly planned for late summer, aligning with Phase Six’s theatrical slate. Why it matters: With Deadpool 3 arriving in theaters this May and Thunderbolts closing the year, Marvel is using Wonder Man to bridge storytelling gaps and re-energize TV audiences after 2025’s hiatus. Cameo rumors are swirling—keep an eye out for appearances by Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and even a certain web-slinger’s stunt double. SEO tip-off: Fans searching “Wonder Man release date,” “Wonder Man cast,” “Wonder Man plot,” and “how to watch Wonder Man on Disney+” can bookmark this article for the latest updates, Easter-egg rundowns, and weekly episode analyses once the series drops.