Image via Disney+, Marvel Studios
By
Liam Gaughan
Published Feb 4, 2026, 7:40 PM EST
Liam Gaughan is a film and TV writer at Collider. He has been writing film reviews and news coverage for ten years. Between relentlessly adding new titles to his watchlist and attending as many screenings as he can, Liam is always watching new movies and television shows.
In addition to reviewing, writing, and commentating on both new and old releases, Liam has interviewed talent such as Mark Wahlberg, Jesse Plemons, Sam Mendes, Billy Eichner, Dylan O'Brien, Luke Wilson, and B.J. Novak. Liam aims to get his spec scripts produced and currently writes short films and stage plays. He lives in Allentown, PA.
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Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
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Editor's note: The below contains spoilers for the Wonder Man finale.
Wonder Man is a breath of fresh air for the Marvel Cinematic Universe that introduces new characters and ideas, but doesn’t feel like “homework” for one of the upcoming films. Although the majority of the Marvel shows that have aired on Disney+ struggled to land their conclusions, Wonder Man crafts a finale that fits the series’ niche perspective. Wonder Man is set within the world of superheroes, but the show is more focused on how the creative space in the MCU looks through the eyes of characters who aren’t involved in significant events. “Yucca Valley” doesn't end with a batch of cameos or a tease of what’s to come, but with a poignant conclusion for the relationship between struggling actor Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and veteran performer Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley).
Wonder Man is ultimately a show about truth, as both characters are searching for authenticity within their performances; Simon has struggled to repress the superpowers that could prevent him from landing future gigs, and Trevor has worked to move past his former persona as “The Mandarin,” even though he is still doing favors for the DODC Agent P. Cleary (Arian Moayed). “Yucca Valley” sees Simon bringing his own anxieties to his performance as Wonder Man, and it also features Trevor returning to the Mandarin character for the first time since Iron Man 3. Although they are both moments where the spectacle is manufactured, it allows both characters to put their biggest talents to good use.
‘Wonder Man’ Doesn’t End With a Typical Marvel Spectacle
When compared to other MCU shows, Wonder Man is able to make the most of its half-hour episodes without ever feeling like its potential has been cut off. The cliffhanger of the penultimate episode, “Kathy Friedman,” sees Simon dealing with the consequences of accidentally unleashing his powers and destroying the soundstage in which Von Kovak's (Zlatko Burić) Wonder Man remake is being shot. It’s the rare instance in the MCU in which there’s suspense about preventing action from happening, not ramping up to a big fight; Simon knows that any actual standoff will result in his secret being exposed. Trevor’s plan to once again become “the Mandarin” and claim responsibility for the explosion is more than a fun callback; it's a way for him to take ownership of the character. While Iron Man 3 sees him being a puppet for Killian (Guy Pearce) and used to spark fear, Wonder Man gives Slattery autonomy over the Mandarin’s portrayal so that he can help a friend. It’s the perfect time for him to be redeemed, given that Simon has just become aware that Trevor is secretly passing along information about him to the DODC.
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Posts By Liam GaughanSimon isn’t a superhero, but his abilities do inform his portrayal of Wonder Man in Kovak’s film. “Yucca Valley” marks the first instance in which Simon no longer fears being ostracized because he has used the pain, fear, and ultimate bravery he showed in his experiences with Trevor to inspire a more authentic performance. The scene involving Wonder Man’s betrayal at the hands of Barnaby, who is now played by Joe Pantoliano, allows Simon to express the same frustration he did after learning that Trevor was informing on him. The irony is that Simon’s onscreen life as a superhero coincides with his most exciting use of his powers, in which he saves Trevor from imprisonment by the DODC. It’s not an implication that Simon is going to become a superhero moving forward, but an acknowledgment that he has learned something from Trevor, who has proven himself worthy of redemption.
‘Wonder Man’ Is a Marvel Series That Isn't About Superheroes
Wonder Man stands out because the series takes place in a world where superheroes are known, and the events of the MCU are treated as recent history; since the notion of superpowered individuals is accepted as part of reality, the series mirrors the experience of viewers who have been inundated with superhero content. In terms of overall stakes, it's more important for Simon to gain the approval of his brother Eric (Demetrius Grosse) and be treated with respect by his agent Janelle Jackson (X Mayo) because it signifies that he has been improving as an actor. While many MCU heroes find an unexpected calling that they did not anticipate, Simon’s arc in Wonder Man revolves around him fulfilling a dream that he has had since childhood. Oddly, the stakes feel higher because Wonder Man doesn't shy away from the new and consistent challenges that working actors face.
CL Report: Subscribe and never miss what matters
Dive into the world of entertainment with Collider, delivering the latest news, reviews, and exclusive updates from movies, TV, and pop culture Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of the finale is that Wonder Man completes a self-contained story; even if Simon does end up making another appearance in the MCU, “Yucca Valley” offers the definitive origin of how he became Wonder Man, at least on the big screen. There are certainly loose threads left to be expanded upon, as the DODC has become aware of Simon’s powers, but Wonder Man is the first instance in some time when a continuation is actually desired, not mandated.
Wonder Man
TV-14
Comedy
Drama
Action
Science Fiction
9
10
Release Date
2026 - 2026-00-00
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Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
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Dive into the world of entertainment with Collider, delivering the latest news, reviews, and exclusive updates from movies, TV, and pop culture Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.What To Watch
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