'Wonder Man' Star Yahya Abdul-Mateen Criticizes Marvel for Series Cancellation

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, the star of Wonder Man, has spoken again about the series’ cancellation and criticized Marvel’s decision to halt projects led by Black actors. Although he did not mention Blade directly, the Mahershala Ali film, which was also shelved, fits the scenario described by the actor.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Abdul-Mateen II said the impression created by the cancellation of productions starring Black leads is clear: “I think the perception is obvious. If I were a major company, if I were Disney, if I were Marvel, I wouldn’t want to be associated with that image,” he said. According to him, Disney and Marvel should make changing that narrative a priority through “quality stories, backed by quality resources.”

Abdul-Mateen II also said that Wonder Man had “all the ingredients” needed to move forward. The actor highlighted the quality of the story, the resources, and the cast, as well as the positive response from audiences and awards recognition.

“Our series deserves to be examined, with real and concrete information about why a show like this didn’t continue,” he said. Wonder Man was canceled by Marvel last month, before it could get a second season.

Everything you need to know about Wonder Man

Introduced in comics in 1964, Wonder Man (known as Magnum in Brazil) is Simon Williams, who has super strength and once worked as a henchman for Baron Zemo, but later earned the Avengers’ trust, eventually becoming a founding member of the West Coast Avengers.

In the comics, Wonder Man has also worked as an actor and stuntman in Hollywood — and that is the version the new series seems to portray, with Simon as an actor looking for opportunities while hiding superpowers he is still unable to control.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen) plays the production’s lead character, and the cast also includes Ben Kingsley, returning as the infamous Trevor Slattery, a character he previously played in Iron Man 3 and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Destin Daniel Cretton, of  Shang-Chi, is the executive producer and directs some of the episodes of Wonder Man. The script is by Andrew Guest, of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Community.

All episodes of Wonder Man are available on Disney+.