The Disney+ series, Marvel’s Wonder Man, featuring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the struggling actor Simon Williams, deviates from typical superhero narratives by presenting a unique challenge: a New York Times journalist, Kathy Friedman (Lauren Weedman), intent on writing a revealing profile. This journalistic pursuit becomes a significant obstacle for Simon, who is trying to keep his secret superpowers under wraps, especially after landing the lead role in director Von Kovak’s (Zlatko Burić) remake of the ‘80s superhero movie Wonder Man. The prospect of exposing his past and secret identity forces Simon into an elaborate act, pretending to be an impressive version of himself for the shrewd journalist, all while grappling with the Department of Damage Control (DODC) and its own agenda.

Abdul-Mateen II's portrayal of Simon Williams is notably contrasted with his own relaxed and calm demeanor during interviews. This stark difference highlights the actor's evolved perspective on his career. Six years prior, after his role as Cal Abar/Doctor Manhattan in Watchmen, Abdul-Mateen II expressed a desire to pursue