Ben Kingsley says Marvel’s upcoming Disney+ series Wonder Man digs deep into the life of Trevor Slattery, before and after his infamous turn as the fake Mandarin.
Speaking to EW.com with new images released, Kingsley revealed the series tracks Trevor’s full arc, calling it “a biopic of Trevor” that explores how the struggling actor became the so-called Mandarin in Iron Man 3 and what happens after his escape from the real Ten Rings.
Trevor Slattery Returns to Hollywood
According to Kingsley, Wonder Man follows Trevor as he returns to Los Angeles looking for a second chance after escaping captivity in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The series focuses on Hollywood itself, touching on auditions, casting, egos, fame, and ambition.
Kingsley says the show examines both the seductive and damaging sides of success, but does so in an entertaining, non-judgmental way.
A Two-Hander With Wonder Man
Kingsley describes Wonder Man as “essentially a two-hander,” pairing Trevor with Simon Williams, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Like Trevor, Simon is a struggling actor, auditioning for a superhero series within the show before eventually gaining powers himself.
The two form a bond over their shared ambitions, but Kingsley hints that Trevor’s flaws resurface, teasing that his character faces a major moral dilemma tied to his desire for success.
Exploring Trevor Before and After the Mandarin
Kingsley says the series explores Trevor in greater depth than ever before, showing him both prior to landing the Mandarin role and after its fallout. The actor calls it the most layered portrayal of the character yet, noting that Trevor is constantly pulled between ambition and consequence.
Wonder Man marks Kingsley’s fourth appearance as Trevor Slattery, following Iron Man 3, All Hail the King, and Shang-Chi.
Wonder Man Release Date
Wonder Man premieres January 27 on Disney+.
