Marvel Studios’ Wonder Man is one of the most acclaimed Marvel projects ever, marking another successful project from co-creator Destin Daniel Cretton. Currently sitting at a 90% “fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes, Wonder Man is a series unlike most superhero stories in that it focuses on the very human journey of Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) as well as Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley).
I had the opportunity to speak with Cretton, who also directed episodes of the series and serves as Executive Director. Cretton spoke about his personal connection to the story of Simon Williams and his struggle to achieve his dream in Hollywood. He also discussed the importance of community and in particular, getting to work with his sister, Joy Cretton.
Up next for Cretton is a certain friendly neighborhood character in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Cretton talked about why characters like Shang-Chi, Simon Williams and Peter Parker are compelling to him:
“I have to feel connected to the material in some way. And in all of these stories, it’s a really deep connection to the main character’s journey and the questions they’re asking themselves, the struggles that they’re going through, the anxieties that they feel,” Cretton said. “And for me it’s almost, it can often be a type of therapy to watch a character go through something and see, you know, what it is that allows them to find balance or healing or forgiveness. And watching a character go through that and and helping that character go through it, can honestly be a way of of healing for myself.”
Watch our full conversation with Destin Daniel Cretton below. Wonder Man is streaming now on Disney+.
About Wonder Man:
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.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
