Marvel's 'Wonder Man' Series Offers Fresh Take on Superheroes

The Disney+ show focuses on character relationships over CGI action, hinting at a new direction for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Marvel's new Disney+ series "Wonder Man" follows the story of Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), a struggling actor who also happens to have superpowers. The show takes a more character-driven approach compared to the typical Marvel blockbuster, with a standout episode focusing on another aspiring hero, DeMarr "Doorman" Davis. The episode's stylish black-and-white aesthetic and exploration of the dark side of fame provide a thoughtful commentary on the superhero genre and Hollywood.

Why it matters

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, "Wonder Man" offers a refreshing alternative to the franchise's reliance on big-budget action sequences and interconnected storylines. The show's meta-commentary on superhero fatigue and its willingness to explore more grounded, character-driven narratives could point the way forward for Marvel as it looks to keep audiences engaged.

The details

The "Doorman" episode of "Wonder Man" follows DeMarr, a Hollywood club doorman who gains the power to turn his body into a portal after touching mysterious sludge. He uses his newfound abilities to become a movie star, but his fame eventually fades and his debts mount, leading to the downfall of his superhero aspirations. The episode's stylish black-and-white cinematography and thematic exploration of the racial dynamics in the superhero genre make it a standout entry in the series.

  • The "Wonder Man" series premiered on Disney+ in January 2026.
  • The "Doorman" episode aired in February 2026, halfway through the show's first season.

The players

Simon Williams

The main character of "Wonder Man", a struggling actor who also has superpowers.

DeMarr "Doorman" Davis

The focus of the standout "Doorman" episode, a Hollywood club doorman who gains portal-creating powers.

Josh Gad

A celebrity who appears as himself in the "Doorman" episode, becoming DeMarr's personal valet.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our ideas about heroes and gods, they only get in the way. It's too difficult to comprehend them. So let's get past them. Let's find the human underneath.”

— Von Kovak, Auteur director of the new "Wonder Man" film

What’s next

The future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will become clearer with the release of the upcoming film "Avengers: Doomsday" in December 2026, which will bring together the franchise's separate storylines and characters.

The takeaway

"Wonder Man" demonstrates that Marvel can succeed by moving away from the franchise's reliance on big-budget spectacle and instead focusing on more grounded, character-driven narratives that provide a fresh perspective on the superhero genre.