Disney has reversed its earlier decision to renew the Marvel series Wonder Man, ultimately canceling the show and releasing its writing staff to pursue other projects, according to a report by Variety.
The reversal comes after Disney+ had announced a second season in March, despite the show's initial viewership falling short of expectations.
The satirical superhero series earned a 91 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and secured an Emmy nomination for lead actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
Abdul-Mateen II stars as Simon Williams, an anxious actor auditioning for a superhero remake who forms an unlikely bond with Trevor Slattery, played by Ben Kingsley.
Reports indicate the characters may still appear in future Marvel projects.
Abdul-Mateen II Responds to Cancellation
Reacting to the news, Abdul-Mateen II addressed the studio's decision while thanking viewers for their support.
"That’s life, right? Everything will shake out," he said.
The actor highlighted the show's performance and reception during its single-season run.
"I wanted to say thank you to everybody who WATCHED the show, ENJOYED the show, and SHARED that they enjoyed the show in some way or other.
The show worked. And that’s my favourite thing about it," he stated.
"So, thinking of you all today. I’m glad we got to be a part of something cool.
Thank you for watching… And uhh… See you at the EMMYS," he added.
Prior to the cancellation, Abdul-Mateen II discussed portraying a more open character on screen with Refinery29.
"It was really gratifying, and sometimes scary at the same time, to show that vulnerability, to show that anxiety, to show what it looks like to not be sure of myself at all but still have to proceed," he said.
Industry analysts previously noted challenges surrounding Marvel's streaming landscape. Media writer Louis Chilton of The Independent assessed the environment around the time of the show's premiere.
"The problem at this point is who cares?
The damage has long been done: interest in the MCU is in sharp decline, whether what they’re making is any good or not," Chilton said.
Chilton further commented on how the series was received relative to typical franchise releases.
"It’s telling, perhaps, how many of the – roundly positive – Wonder Man reviews have highlighted just how little the series resembles a typical Marvel release: it seems the best way of selling a Marvel property has almost become a frantic assurance that it’s not a Marvel property at all, in anything but name," he said.
Co-created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest, the series concluded with Abdul-Mateen II earning a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series at the upcoming Emmy ceremony scheduled for September 15.
