❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Wonder Man star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II reacts to Marvel's shock cancellation of season 2 plans for acclaimed series

The Emmy-nominated actor has taken the surprise Disney+ decision in his stride.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars in Wonder Man; in this scene, Simon is outside a cinema, wearing a red blazer, black turtleneck and red sunglasses

Marvel Television

Published: Friday, 31 July 2026 at 10:40 am

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 issues for £10

Wonder Man star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has given his (rather graceful) response to Marvel's surprise decision to cancel the series at Disney+, just months after the streamer renewed it for season 2.

Ad

The actor played Simon Williams, an aspiring Hollywood actor concealing his superpowers, alongside Ben Kingsley, who reprised his MCU role as faded thespian Trevor Slattery.

The series impressed fans and critics alike, with Abdul-Mateen being nominated for a Primetime Emmy for the role - but it seems that wasn't enough to save it.

Writing on Instagram after news of the cancellation, Abdul-Mateen very much took the news in his stride, saying: "Word just dropped that Wonder Man won't be coming back for Season 2. (And if you don't knowww, now ya knoww!). That's life, right? Everything will shake out".

He added: "I wanted to say thank you to everybody who WATCHED the show, ENJOYED the show, and SHARED that they enjoyed the show in some way or other. The show worked. And that’s my favorite thing about it.

"I could see it on the faces of the Youtube Reactors (because I watched along with y’all this time. Shoutout to y’all) and I can see in the messages I get saying how the show reminded some of you not to give up, and I feel it in the genuine love shared when I bump into some of you all during the day. So, thinking of you all today. I’m glad we got to be a part of something cool."

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Instagram may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Instagram and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

He signed off: "Thank you for watching… And uhh… See you at the EMMYS."

While Wonder Man was renewed in March 2026, just two months after it streamed on Disney+, according to Variety, a writers' room for the second season was never opened and the show's writers have since been released to pursue other projects.

The official synopsis described the series as a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry: "Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams (Abdul Mateen) is struggling to get his career off the ground.

Watch trailer

"During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery (Kingsley), an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak (Buric) 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".

However, there's a ray of hope in all of this - Marvel fans might not be surprised to hear that the characters featured in Wonder Man could still appear in future MCU projects.

Watch this space!

Wonder Man is available to watch on Disney+. You can sign up to Disney+ from £4.99 a month.

Add Wonder Man to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Ad

Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.

Ad

Ad

Subscribe for £1 per week

Too much to watch this autumn? Let Radio Times magazine and app do the choosing, with expert picks across TV, streaming and film.

Subscribe now

Loading...

Ad

Loading...