This article contains spoilers for “Wonder Man” season 1, episode 8 — “Yucca Valley”
The new “Wonder Man” series from “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” director Destin Daniel Cretton reimagines the story of Marvel’s titular character and presents it quite liberally. However, it also keeps many of Simon Williams’ (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) core components intact…even if it doesn’t initially seem like it. Although his circumstances and history differ, he remains an actor who prefers the lifestyle of a comedian to the idea of violent superheroes. Likewise, his set of superpowers turns out to be much closer to classic Wonder Man abilities than it initially appears.
“Wonder Man” gradually reveals Simon’s powers. First, the series teases unspecified, seemingly telekinesis-like powers that can disrupt and destroy the nearby environment. Then it reveals that he also possesses super strength and durability. After discovering that Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley) was working with the Department of Damage Control to keep tabs on him, Simon crashes and creates a massive explosion, with him as the epicenter.
The season finale reveals the truth about Simon. His powers are actually about controlling ionic energy, and as he rescues Trevor from a high-security prison complex, we discover that he has a lot more control than he initially appeared. In fact, Simon can use his destructive energies with such precision that he can fly through several floors of the facility while transporting Trevor to safety.
All of this makes Simon an extremely powerful character who can potentially take on some of the MCU’s most powerful heroes and villains. Or rather, it would be if he were actually interested in such displays of force.
Wonder Man is all about that ionic energy
