Wonder Man was a surprise critical success for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the live-action shows on Disney+ have been hit or miss, this was absolutely a winner, becoming one of the best-reviewed projects of the Multiverse Saga. Marvel and Disney renewed the series for season 2. However, they quickly reverse course, canceling it all together. We now have a reason why.
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, series lead actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II addressed the situation. The actor, who also played Black Manta in DC’s Aquaman movies, said plainly that it came down to viewership numbers. Here’s what he had to say about it.
“I was told that it had something to do with the viewership numbers. I wasn’t told what those numbers were, but ultimately, for whatever reason it was, I think they decided that it didn’t make sense for business, and that’s the decision that we live with and we keep on marching forward.”
The actor didn’t get into specifics, though it does raise questions. Why would Marvel and Disney announce Wonder Man season 2 in the first place when they knew what the viewership numbers looked like? This isn’t like Hawkeye season 2 which didn’t happen over a pay dispute. Marvel wanted that show but couldn’t come to terms. Instead, as Abdul-Mateen II tells it, this was a business call.
The series was created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest. For what it’s worth, Cretton just directed Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He’s also still developing Shang-Chi 2 for Marvel. So clearly, he’s not too butthurt about it. Abdul-Mateen II didn’t comment on anything specifically in terms of what season 2 would have been about. He did share what he hoped to explore with the character moving forward though, which involved Simon’s ongoing quest for stardom.
“I had my hopes and my dreams about where I wanted the character to go for season two. I was very interested in telling the story of Simon, who we watched pursue everything he’s always wanted. And then I think, for me, the interesting question to explore is: Well, what are you going to do when you finally get it? What do you do when you finally get everything that you’ve always wanted? And for a guy like Simon to get fame and notoriety and a little bit of power, he has a big heart, but he also has an ego. He also wants to be a star.”
Here is the synopsis for Wonder Man.
“Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the Super Hero film “Wonder Man”. These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.”
The series cast also includes Ben Kingsley, Arian Moayed, X Mayo and Zlatko Burić. Cretton, James Ponsoldt, Tiffany Johnson and Stella Meghie served as directors.
Wonder Man is streaming now on Disney+.
What do you think? Are you sad season 2 isn’t happening? Or do you think it was better as a limited series? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Instagram!
