The next in the long line of MCU TV shows was recently announced, with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton returning to helm Wonder Man on Disney+. The show will officially introduce Simon Williams AKA Wonder Man, a Hollywood actor turned Avenger with a checkered past.
So far, no further information has been announced regarding the show, though some might be revealed – such as the casting of the lead – at the upcoming Comic-Con in San Diego. However, there is still plenty to postulate and theorize over, including which comics and storylines from Wonder Man’s extensive history could be adapted.
Origins and Baron Zemo
Avengers #9
Before he became an Avenger, Wonder Man was actually introduced as a villain in Avengers #9. Simon Williams ran Williams Innovations, a competitor with Stark Industries, and when he was caught embezzling from his company, he was sent to jail. He developed a deep hatred for Tony Stark, which Master of Evil leader, Baron Zemo, exploited. Zemo transformed Simon into Wonder Man, a powerful being of iconic energy, and sent him to take the Avengers down from the inside.
Now, it would be unlikely that any of the MCU’s Avengers would appear in Wonder Man, but that could mean he arrives in films first. If Zemo is still involved, he could be introduced in Thunderbolts as a team member – a sleeper villain who turns hero. Alternatively, his origins with Zemo could be altered to bring in the Power Broker, Sharon Carter, with her giving him his powers.
Back From The Dead
Avengers #152, Avengers Vol 3 #3
Another integral aspect of Wonder Man’s history is how many times he dies and comes back to life. This is the standard in all comic books, but it’s happened to Wonder Man several times. He is killed after rejecting Zemo’s plans to take down the Avengers, sacrificing himself to save them. Much later he is revived a few times by different villains, including his brother Eric Williams AKA Grim Reaper.
Eventually, it is discovered that as he is now composed of pure energy, he is essentially immortal, and after another bout of “death”, Scarlet Witch fully restores him to life, more powerful than ever. This would be an interesting element that could make Wonder Man unique in such a massive franchise since no dead character has truly been brought back to life yet.
Brother's Reunited
Avengers #52, Avengers #160
A smart bet would be that Wonder Man would also introduce Simon’s brother Eric, and that he will appear as the Grim Reaper. He was first introduced in Avengers #52 in 1968, seeking revenge for his fallen brother issues earlier. Eric joined the Maggia in his youth and used those contacts to acquire his special scythe weapon with coma-inducing powers. He attacked the team, incapacitating most, but he was eventually thwarted by Black Panther.
He and his brother are eventually reunited, and they do work together as part of the Lethal Legion fighting the Avengers. However, Wonder Man turns to the good side and their relationship completely shatters. It would make sense that the Grim Reaper would be the villain for Wonder Man, and it could draw from his many appearances in the Avengers comics.
Maggia
Marvel Premiere #55
Since Eric gets involved with the Maggia, they could play a role in Wonder Man too. They have previously appeared in the MCU in Agent Carter – though it's unclear if that is still considered canon – and they were mentioned in Daredevil. They are most commonly associated with New York City and thus heroes like Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, but they also operate out of LA, which is likely where Wonder Man is largely set.
There is an important comic from Wonder Man’s past, Marvel Premiere #55, in which Simon discovers a Williams Innovations factory has been taken over by the Maggia. He ends up fighting one of the leaders, Madame Masque, who along with her husband, Count Nefaria, could also make for great antagonists in Wonder Man.
Mr. Hollywood
Wonder Man Vol 1, Wonder Man Vol 2, West Coast Avengers
A very important part of his time in the comics is that he is not only a hero but also an actor. Several different comic runs have showcased Wonder Man as an actor or stuntman, even going to one of his movie premieres that gets trashed by Abomination, of course. This element has already been seemingly confirmed as integral for Wonder Man, as Cretton said it will likely be framed as a Hollywood satire.
This could mean that Simon Williams is an established actor in the MCU. Perhaps he is working on a film about a superhero named Wonder Man, and somehow he gets powers so he takes up that as his moniker.
Iconic Allies
Avengers vol 1, Avengers vol 2, Uncanny Avengers
As a long-time Avenger introduced in the Silver Age of Comics, Wonder Man has gained some great allies and adversaries over the years, and many have a shot at appearing in Wonder Man. Some of the best and most popular do have some obstacles blocking them, but it's never out of the question. As shown in many Avengers comics, he is importantly linked to both Scarlet Witch and Vision – his brainwaves were used by Ultron to create Vision, and he also dated Wanda for a spell.
The show wouldn’t want to overshadow the lead by bringing back fan-favorite Scarlet Witch, but a connection could be hinted at or teased in a fun Easter egg – maybe he says the Avenger he likes the most is Wanda. Vision, on the other hand, might stand a better chance since he is now White Vision following WandaVision, and is seeking his own sense of self and identity, which could in some way bring him to connect with Wonder Man.
A New Team
West Coast Avengers #1
Wonder Man is a founding member of the West Coast Avengers along with Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Tigra, and James Rhodes’ Iron Man. While it likely wouldn’t feature heavily in Wonder Man, this team’s formation could still be incorporated. This could involve Hailee Steinfield’s Kate Bishop – who has her own history on the West Coast and with the team – instead of Clint Barton.
It could culminate in nothing more than a recruitment tease like at the end of WandaVision for Monica Rambeau, but that would be exciting if it did set up this fun team. Otherwise, different elements from the West Coast Avenger comics could still be applied to just Wonder Man, such as his aforementioned movie premiere that gets interrupted.
Secret Invasion
Dark Reign: Lethal Legion
Secret Invasion could have lasting effects on the Disney+ series that follow it, including Wonder Man – and fans have plenty of theories about how it could all go down. Like in the comics, Secret Invasion could set up a Dark Reign style arc in the MCU, in which, say the Contessa, grabs power. It could lead to a Dark Avengers-style team in Thunderbolts and/or Wonder Man aiding his brother in the Lethal Legion.
He joins his villainous’ brother’s team, along with Absorbing Man, Mister Hyde, Tiger Shark, and Grey Gargoyle, to try and take down Norman Osborn. This could be applied to whoever fills the likely power vacuum following Secret Invasion. It would help showcase Simon and Eric’s relationship, and how they differ in ideology. However, this might be a better fit for a second season after both characters have already been established.
Revengers
The New Avengers Annual Vol 2
After many years as an Avenger, Wonder Man cut ties with the group in The New Avengers Annual vol 2. He’d grown incredibly disillusioned with the team, saying without their existence, there wouldn’t be so many dead heroes – also blaming them for Ultron and the Dark Avengers.
Wonder Man forms the Revengers to force the Avengers to disband. During this sequence, he showcases how incredibly powerful he is – though it's also suggested that his ionic state affects his mental stability. That’s all to say, this has great potential to be distilled and adapted into Wonder Man, especially to highlight a hero with a different mission and ideology than the Avengers.
Babysitter's Club
War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery
A fun and unexpected choice to adapt comes from the War of the Realms event in 2019. Wonder Man and other heroes are called upon by Balder the Brave, Thor’s half-brother, to protect their sister, Laussa. They form the Babysitter’s Club and travel over the country in his RV, the Wonder Wagon, which is sure to feature in Wonder Man.
There are plenty of limitations blocking this story specifically – such as Thor, Loki, and Hela being the only children of Odin. Additionally, the incorporation of the Asgardians might complicate the show. However, the element of Wonder Man and friends taking care of a child – perhaps a mutant – could be adapted. It would also allow for the MCU to capitalize on the Star Wars trope of a warrior and a child.