by Charles Kirkland, Jr.
“Matinee” Sets the Stage for Ambition, Ego, and Hidden Power
Struggling actor Simon Williams wants one thing more than anything else: his dream role, working for his dream director. It feels like the opportunity of a lifetime, if only he could get out of his own way.
A Childhood Obsession Is Born
The premiere episode of Wonder Man opens in quiet nostalgia. A father and his young son sit in a movie theater, eating popcorn and watching a delightfully cheesy film titled Wonder Man. The boy, Simon Williams, is completely captivated. The moment plants the seed of a lifelong obsession, one that will shape his identity, ambition, and eventual unraveling.
Simon Williams and the Cost of Overconfidence
Years later, Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) considers himself a serious actor and celebrates being cast on the latest season of American Horror Story. That excitement quickly curdles into overconfidence. Simon begins with minor dialogue suggestions, then escalates to rewriting scenes, questioning character motivations, and proposing changes that disrupt other actors’ performances.
His constant “improvements” create delays and tension on set. Eventually, the showrunner has had enough and abruptly writes Simon’s character out of the series. Simon is effectively fired, his ego bruised and his self-image shattered.
A Relationship Fractures and Power Emerges
Simon returns home humiliated and furious, only to find his girlfriend Vivian packing her belongings. She explains she is leaving because Simon never lets her in emotionally and is consumed entirely by himself and his career. After she walks out, Simon braces himself against the bathroom sink as his emotions surge.
In that moment, the fixtures around him begin to shake. The disturbance is subtle but unmistakable, hinting at something dangerous and uncontrollable stirring beneath the surface.
Midnight Cowboy and a Fateful Encounter
Still shaken, Simon seeks solace in cinema and heads to a nearly empty theater to rewatch Midnight Cowboy. The only other patron is Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), loudly finishing a phone call before the screening. Afterward, the two strike up an intense and unexpectedly sincere conversation about the film’s performances, history, and artistic legacy.
Their connection feels genuine, almost fated. Just as the conversation deepens, Trevor excuses himself. He is late for an audition for the latest film by director Von Kovak, coincidentally titled Wonder Man.
A Desperate Audition and a New Ally
Simon storms into his agent Janelle Jackson’s (X Mayo) office, furious that he was never told about the audition. Janelle jokes that it slipped her mind, possibly because Leonardo DiCaprio was being considered. Simon argues that the role calls for a fresh face. Janelle insists it is too late, as it is the final day of auditions.
When left alone, Simon searches her email, finds the audition details, schedules himself an appointment, and drives straight to the location.
At the audition, Simon fills out paperwork, including a “Doorman” waiver certifying that he does not possess superpowers. While waiting, his familiar habits return. He overthinks the script, rewrites lines in his head, and spirals into self-doubt.
Trevor emerges from his audition confident and immediately recognizes Simon’s distress. In the bathroom, Trevor encourages him to breathe, fully exhale, and simply say the words. Grounded by the advice, Simon delivers a strong audition.
A Warning from the Shadows
Grateful, Simon takes Trevor to lunch, where their conversation continues, drifting into philosophy, intention, and fate. Trevor cryptically suggests that something momentous is unfolding. Simon smiles politely, unsure how seriously to take the comment.
Moments later, Trevor prepares to eat his salad when his phone rings. The voice on the other end is stern and urgent. Simon Williams, the caller warns, is a super-powered threat to national security. The speaker vows not to rest until Simon is taken into custody. Trevor listens in silence.
Closing Thoughts on Wonder Man Episode 1
True to the comics, Simon Williams already possesses powers by the time he pursues acting as a career. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a long history of creatively reinterpreting comic book lore, raising questions about how far Wonder Man will depart from its source material.
The premiere also leaves viewers with a compelling mystery. Who is the voice on the phone, and what are his true intentions regarding Simon Williams? With ambition, ego, and hidden power colliding, Wonder Man opens with confidence and intrigue.
Guest Starring as Herself: Ashley Greene
