This article contains spoilers for “Wonder Man” season 1.
Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’ Series Is a Grounded Character Study which replaces multiverse chaos with a more human story about chasing dreams. That said, when Marvel Cinematic Universe fans learned that Joe Pantoliano was part of the show’s cast, they might have speculated that he would reprise his role as Ben Urich from The ill-fated 2003 “Daredevil” with Ben Affleck. Instead, he portrays a fictionalized version of himself – a veteran actor who once threw Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) under the bus.
Pantoliano first appears in episode 2 of “Wonder Man”, where he welcomes Slattery and Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) into his home. Williams and Slattery just need a quiet place to make a rehearsal tape. However, some terrible career advice from Pantoliano leads to an argument that culminates in Williams criticizing “Baby’s Day Out” and storming out of the actor’s mansion.
“Baby’s Day Out” fans (myself included) might find the scene offensive, but it’s easy to forgive Williams since the exchange leads to Pantoliano trying to talk his way into the diegetic “Wonder Man.” Those of you who watched the series will know that Slattery and Williams dream of landing this project – but one of their potential roles ultimately goes to Pantoliano.
Wonder Man uses Joe Pantoliano to pay homage to a Robert Altman classic
Robert Altman’s “The Player” has inspired several TV shows lately – in fact, Bryan Cranston’s character in “The Studio” is a profound reference to the film. The film is the ultimate satire of Hollywood and its ending is copied in the finale of “Wonder Man”.
One of the subplots of “The Player” concerns the making of a film called “Habeas Corpus,” a low-budget drama starring anonymous actors. By the time it hits the screen, however, the film is star-studded and features an upbeat ending. This is similar to what happens in “Wonder Man,” as the eponymous superhero film sees Joe Pantoliano replacing struggling actor Trevor Slattery in the finished product. Co-showrunner Andrew Guest spoke about this scene in the show’s press notes, admitting that it’s a very deliberate homage to the Altman classic:
“At the very end, we finally watch this movie [‘Habeas Corpus’] on the big screen…and it stars Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis. This gag inspired the final scene of the movie ‘Wonder Man,’ in which we bring back Joe Pantoliano.”
Season 1 of “Wonder Man” includes an episode featuring a detail-obsessed reporter, so Pantoliano’s version of Ben Urich could have served a purpose in the series. But honestly? Presenting the actor as a selfish version of himself is arguably more entertaining than throwing in an Easter egg for an unpopular film. That’s what the “Deadpool” movies are all about.
“Wonder Man” is now streaming on Disney+.
