WandaVision Showrunner Doesn't Deny Possible Wonder Man Cameo

WandaVision’s showrunner has fueled the ongoing rumors that Wonder Man, a longtime Marvel comics character, may appear in the series. WandaVision is the MCU’s first Disney+ series, starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany reprising their roles as Wanda Maximoff (the Scarlet Witch) and Vision, respectively. The genre-bending sitcom parody/science fiction fusion also features Kathryn Hahn, Randall Park, Kat Dennings, and Teyonah Parris.

Wonder Man, aka Simon Williams, was first introduced to Marvel Comics in 1964, created by Stan Lee and artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. He began as a supervillain, but after falling in battle he was kept in suspended animation by the Avengers and his brain patterns were recorded by Tony Stark in hopes of reviving Simon. During his comatose state, his brain patterns were used to create Vision. Later, Simon was successfully brought back to consciousness and became a hero in his own right.

Several Wonder Man Easter eggs have hinted at the appearance in WandaVision, most notably a clip of showrunner Jac Shaeffer giving an interview with a photo of the character hanging behind her in a behind-the-scenes featurette. Asked about the tease in an interview with The Playlist, Shaeffer didn’t deny a potential appearance for Wonder Man. She explained: "I was standing in our writers’ room, which is covered floor-to-ceiling in all sorts of art and inspiration…and it’s a pretty exciting room and…yeah…."

While it's not exactly a confirmation of a cameo, the character does have a history with the MCU. Nathan Fillion was cast as Wonder Man for James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, though his part was ultimately cut from the completed film. Fillion could very well be the "mystery actor" hinted to appear by Bettany; but, considering Fillion never made his official MCU debut, Wonder Man may also be a brand new face.

Wonder Man’s introduction in WandaVision makes a lot of sense given his history with both characters -- not only did Simon Williams provide the blueprint for Vision, he was also a love interest of Wanda’s in the comics. Of course, Wonder Man doesn’t have anything to do with Vision’s MCU origin as we know it from Avengers: Age of Ultron. That being said, Wanda’s powers are likely to open the door to the multiverse that will be explored in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and the Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel. With her reality altering abilities, Wanda may be able to change canon as we know it.

Interestingly, Wonder Man’s comics origin is also tied to Baron Zemo, who infused Simon Williams with ionic energy that gave him superpowers. Zemo first appeared in the MCU as the antagonist in Captain America: Civil War, but he’s set to reappear in the next Disney+ MCU series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. With his strong connections to the characters of both series, Wonder Man could be the bridge between that show and WandaVision. With all that in mind, Shaeffer’s coy response almost seems like a confirmation of a Wonder Man appearance.

Next: Why WandaVision Is Secretly The MCU's Joker

Source: The Playlist