What Does the New Wonder Man Trailer Reveal?

The latest trailer for Wonder Man reveals major plot hints about Simon Williams’ journey in the MCU and teases a possible betrayal by a returning character. While the series introduces Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the titular hero, much of the intrigue centers on the unexpected moral crossroads faced by Trevor Slattery.

According to Variety, the series leans heavily into a meta-satire of Hollywood, following Simon as he auditions for a “Wonder Man” movie while secretly manifesting the very powers he is pretending to have on screen.

Is Trevor Slattery Returning in Wonder Man?

Yes, Trevor Slattery returns in Wonder Man, once again played by Ben Kingsley. After his fan-favorite appearance in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Trevor is positioned as Simon Williams’ sidekick and mentor figure in the Disney+ series.

Executive producer Brad Winderbaum confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that this series concludes a “redemption trilogy” for Slattery, following his journey from a drug-addicted fraud in Iron Man 3 to a sincere performer seeking his mother’s approval.

Does the Trailer Confirm Trevor Slattery’s Betrayal?

The trailer strongly hints at a potential turn. A key scene shows Trevor speaking with Agent P. Cleary (Arian Moayed), a Department of Damage Control agent who previously appeared in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Cleary labels Simon Williams an “extraordinary threat.”

The framing suggests the DODC may be pressuring Trevor to reveal Simon’s location or cooperate against him, possibly in exchange for personal gain or protection from his own criminal past.

Why Would Trevor Slattery Betray Simon Williams?

Trevor’s long-established desire for fame and validation makes him vulnerable to manipulation. If the DODC offers him protection, money, or a chance at renewed stardom, betrayal may feel justified to his desperate character.

In a recent interview with IGN, Ben Kingsley stated that the series sees Trevor faced with a “terrible dilemma” where he can reach his ambitions, but only at a “terrible cost.” This suggests the betrayal would be a central internal conflict for the character.

Does Simon Williams’ Power Play a Role in the Betrayal?

Yes. The trailer includes brief shots of Simon demonstrating superhuman strength and his signature purple ionic energy flickering in his eyes. Witnessing the full extent of these abilities—which Marvel showrunners describe as “incredibly powerful in a way even Simon isn’t aware of”—could convince Trevor that Simon is genuinely dangerous, pushing him toward cooperation with authorities out of fear.

[Image of the Department of Damage Control (DODC) logo]

Will Trevor Slattery Be Redeemed After Betraying Simon?

Redemption remains highly likely. Trevor’s arc in Shang-Chi proved he is capable of heroism when it matters most. His close bond with Simon throughout Wonder Man suggests that guilt, loyalty, or affection could ultimately drive him to switch sides and help Simon escape the DODC Supermax prison.

Is Trevor Slattery Meant to Be a Hero or Villain in Wonder Man?

Marvel Studios appears to be positioning Trevor somewhere in between. He acts as a mentor and acting coach to Simon, helping him navigate the “Doorman Clause”—a fictional Hollywood rule that bans superpowered individuals from acting. This duality makes his potential betrayal more emotionally impactful and his possible redemption more meaningful.

Who Created Wonder Man and When Does It Release?

Wonder Man is created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest. The series stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ben Kingsley, Demetrius Grosse (as the Grim Reaper), and Arian Moayed. In a surprising move, CBR reports that all eight episodes will premiere on Disney+ at once on January 27, 2026.

What Could Trevor Slattery’s Arc Mean for the MCU?

If Trevor ultimately helps Simon instead of condemning him, his story would come full circle. A former fraud who once pretended to be the Mandarin could finally earn genuine redemption, cementing one of the MCU’s most unlikely and beloved character transformations.