What starts as a story about an actor and his determination to become a Hollywood name, becomes a journey about friendship.
“Wonder Man” also includes some surprise guest appearances, including from Mario Lopez.
Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ben Kingsley, Arian Moayed, X Mayo, and Zlatko Buri.
Who all deliver in their respected roles, X Mayo shines as agent Janelle.
Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground.
During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him.
Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film “Wonder Man.”
These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.
Janelle Jackson is a talent agent known as a tenacious and loyal advocate for her clients.
She is both Simon’s champion and his friend, able to give him tough love when necessary.
What interested you in this project and joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Well, I didn’t know I was auditioning for Marvel at first because they’re very under wraps, very CIA, very FBI. When my agents told me I got the part, I asked them if they confused me with their other Black client. [Laughs.] Even they didn’t know. I said, “I wish I would’ve known, ’cause I would’ve worn a cape, I would’ve flown in on my self-tape.” But that’s exactly why they didn’t tell me. The role was grounded, but comedic. I saw the humor in it, and if you’ve been paying attention to Marvel you’ll know they love funny bits. I love this character and I love that this is kind of a discovery for a lot of people who don’t know about “Wonder Man.” So, I’m so excited to be a part of the cast that’s going to help set up this moment in the MCU.
Did your experiences with your own agents help inform your character? I’ve had amazing agents the whole time that I’ve had them. So, I drew on some of my experiences, but I also grabbed inspiration from anecdotes from experiences that friends have had. Janelle is a straight shooter. I think she has to be on her shit all the time and be at the top of her game because this agency is top tier and there’s a lot of money at stake, so she cannot mess around. And I think she has to be a little tough, especially with Simon, whose career she’s trying to get off the ground, but who’s being a nuisance on set. She’s finding these big opportunities for him because she believes in him, and I drew on that from my team. I know that they believe in me and I hope that it comes across that Janelle truly believes in Simon and his talent.
What was it like working with Yahya? People probably don’t know how he is when the cameras aren’t rolling. He knew everybody’s name, he checked on the PAs, he was always checking on me. When it was cold, he asked, “Do you need a jacket?” I saw those specific things and I remember thinking, “Oh, that’s a leader.” You can’t fake that, and I think it’ll be evident on screen, how much he cares and what a quality leader he is.
What did you enjoy most about this experience? What I enjoyed the most was the little girl inside of me who dreamed about working in Hollywood, driving down these streets with my mom, looking at homes on our way to the Valley to see family and then all these years later, looking up at the Hollywood sign driving home or coming to set. I’m blessed, truly, to be able to work at this caliber, with this giant studio that has been so gracious, kind and accommodating. This experience was a phenomenal blessing.
What do you hope the fans connect to with this series? I think the fans are going to connect to the comedy and the relationships. I think they’re going to be invested in these characters and will want to see if these characters change, if they’re capable of change, and how things play out over the course of eight episodes. Also, I’m biased because I was born and raised in L.A., but this is the most beautiful goddamn city, and shooting around this town was really fun. To do that as a kid from L.A.—shooting a TV series about Hollywood, in Hollywood—is a dream.
Check Out The UB Spotlight with Ben Kingsley & Yahya Abdul-Mateen II!
