Marvel has canceled the superhero comedy 'Wonder Man.' The decision was made on Thursday and affects a series that the company had previously renewed for a second season. Lead actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (40) is also on the Emmy nomination list in September as best lead actor in a comedy series.
The actor didn't want to leave the news of the show's cancellation uncommented. He posted a selfie on social media wearing a 'Wonder Man' cap: 'Just got the news that 'Wonder Man' won't be returning for season two. (And if you didn't know, now you know). Such is life, right?' He thanked everyone who watched, liked, and spread their enthusiasm for the series.
'The show worked'
At first, there's no bitterness in the post. 'The show worked. And that's what I love most about it,' Abdul-Mateen wrote. He reads it in messages where viewers describe how much the series reminded them not to give up. 'I'm glad we got to be part of something cool.'
But his closing sentence did show a certain amount of gallows humor: 'Thanks for watching. And uhh, see you at the Emmys.' His performance as the lead character in 'Wonder Man' had earned him a nomination in the category 'Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series' - which made the show's cancellation all the more surprising.
'Wonder Man' was released earlier this year on Disney+, and critics and audiences responded overwhelmingly enthusiastically, according to 'Entertainment Weekly.' The series was co-developed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who is also responsible for the theatrical film 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'
Searching for the role of a lifetime
Abdul-Mateen played Simon Williams, an unlucky actor who believes he has finally found the perfect role when a legendary director casts a reboot of the 'Wonder Man' film. By his side, MCU veteran Ben Kingsley returned as Trevor Slattery. The friendship between the two faltered when Simon learned of Trevor's true motives.
In January everything sounded like a continuation
At that time, Cretton told 'Entertainment Weekly' that they had already thought about where the characters could go next, but he wasn't allowed to reveal anything. Kingsley was more direct: 'Of course we want that,' he said about a second season. 'It would be dishonest to say: 'Oh, I don't know. Let's wait and see.'' In March, the renewal actually came. Now it's moot.
Whether Simon Williams will appear elsewhere in the Marvel Universe is unclear. Meanwhile, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II moves forward: Later this year, he can be seen in a leading role in David Fincher's 'The Adventures of Cliff Booth,' the sequel to Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood.'
