Wonder Man, a lesser-known Marvel hero, is set to have his own Disney+ series, with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II playing the lead role of Simon Williams. In this new adaptation, Williams will be portrayed as a Hollywood stuntperson and actor searching for his big break. Although the tone of the series has yet to be confirmed, the idea of a Hollywood satire within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is certainly appealing. However, its success will ultimately depend on its execution, as demonstrated by previous MCU projects like WandaVision and She-Hulk. Therefore, it is worth considering what Wonder Man can learn from the MCU's genre-bending, legal comedy, She-Hulk.
Wonder Man Needs a Sharp Sense of Humor
She-Hulk boasts an impressive cast, impressive CGI, and a unique concept with great potential. However, the show falls short in terms of strong comedic writing. While it aims to make its audience laugh, it rarely succeeds.
The humor in the show mainly revolves around jokes about the challenges of online dating and the struggles of navigating a demanding workplace, which feel repetitive and uninspired. That being said, She-Hulk does have its moments of humor and does make some meaningful points. The comedic chemistry between Jennifer and her best friend/paralegal Nikki is a standout, and the concept of Jennifer's appearance and powers overshadowing her legal expertise offers an insightful commentary on the experiences of women in the workplace.
If Wonder Man wants to stand out in the realm of Hollywood satire, it needs to establish a unique comedic style that leaves a lasting impression on viewers. The show should aim for well-executed jokes that go beyond clichéd one-liners, as these tend to fall flat. Marvel fans have already been exposed to various family-friendly superhero comedies, and while She-Hulk attempted to break the mold with its humor, it ultimately failed to make a lasting impact. Hopefully, Wonder Man will successfully differentiate itself and leave a lasting impression on its audience.
She-Hulk Fell Short on the "Legal" Part of "Legal Comedy"
Any show or film centered around a niche industry faces the challenge of striking a delicate balance. In the case of legal comedies, it is crucial to cater to the audience's fascination with courtroom drama and legal tactics, while avoiding excessive technicality that may disengage them. The viewers crave the illusion of lawyers in their sharp suits effortlessly unraveling intricate problems through clever banter and sheer dedication. However, they do not wish to be overwhelmed by constant explanations of legal concepts and unfamiliar terminology.
This dynamic can be likened to the obligatory training montage in sports movies. Audiences desire the gratification of witnessing characters investing their time and effort, yet they prefer to be spared the monotony associated with actual practice and repetition. The same principle applies to any production that delves into a specialized industry.
Having writers who possess a deep understanding of their industry and an ability to make it appealing to the general audience is crucial for achieving this delicate balance. While it is likely that She-Hulk had at least one legal consultant in the writers' room, it is disappointing that the show's legal elements often feel formulaic and secondary. This is in stark contrast to Charles Soule's She-Hulk comic run, which seamlessly integrated law, humor, and superheroics. It is worth noting that Soule's background as a lawyer likely contributed to the success of his storytelling.
Without the captivating visual spectacle of a towering green lawyer defending a wizard in a courtroom, these scenes become largely indistinguishable from those of any other series, leaving much to be desired. The back-and-forth exchanges of objections and sarcastic remarks feel mundane, almost reminiscent of a quarrel between two young students in the principal's office. It appears that the writers viewed these scenes as mere fillers, serving to extend the episode's duration and bridge the gaps between more comfortable, slice-of-life moments and the action-packed fight sequences.
Wonder Man Should Be An Actual Hollywood Satire
The rating for the show is uncertain, but an intelligent and sharp satire with mature themes, set in the world of movie sets and executive rooms, has the potential to be truly thrilling. Rather than just scratching the surface of its premise, like She-Hulk did with law, Wonder Man should delve deep into the dark side of the Hollywood film industry. Considering that the writers are all professionals working in the industry, one would assume that it shouldn't be too challenging of a task.
Destin Daniel Cretton is both directing and executive producing the series. If his work on Shang-Chi is any indication, viewers can expect satisfying action sequences and emotionally impactful moments in the show. The latter is particularly crucial since a significant part of Wonder Man's internal struggle stems from his troubled relationship with his abusive father and morally complex brother.
With Andrew Guest as the head writer, his extensive experience in writing TV shows suggests that, like Cretton, he possesses valuable insights into the inner workings of Hollywood. The cast is equally impressive. Abdul-Mateen II, known for his involvement in major projects such as Aquaman, Watchmen, and The Matrix, brings not only his acting skills but also his real-life experiences as an actor to the role.
Collectively, they have the potential to create a captivating superhero narrative that explores uncharted territories within Marvel's own realm.
