James Gunn Attempts an Unforgettable Iron Man Joke for Future MCU Release

James Gunn, the acclaimed director known for his work on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), contemplated an intriguing addition to Phase 6 long before it became a reality. His innovative ideas for the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 nearly included a reference to Simon Williams, also known as Wonder Man. Through the Guardians trilogy, Gunn showcased a cosmic landscape ripe with alien characters, significantly shaping the broader narrative leading up to events like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The series is beloved for its multitude of easter eggs and rich storytelling, setting a standard for interconnected cinematic universes.

Among the exciting upcoming projects in the MCU is the Wonder Man series, featuring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II portraying the dual role of an actor and superhero, Simon Williams. The show is anticipated to delve into the unique realm of acting within the superhero context, providing a fresh angle that hasn’t been deeply explored in the MCU before. Additionally, it will feature Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery, connecting past narratives with new ones.

James Gunn’s Concept for a Simon Williams Biopic in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2

Nathan Fillion’s Nearly Featured Simon Williams in Phase 2

Nathan Fillion as Simon Williams as Tony Stark in Guardians 2 cameo

Among his frequent collaborators, James Gunn made an effort to include Nathan Fillion in the Guardians of the Galaxy saga. Initially, Gunn designed a selection of film posters featuring Fillion as Simon Williams, who was to star in fictional B-movies, including a parody of a biography about Tony Stark. While the idea of Fillion’s Simon Williams was ultimately set aside, Gunn didn’t lose the opportunity to feature him as Master Karja in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3.

Though the Simon Williams easter egg did not make the final cut, speculation persisted about Fillion’s potential return to the MCU. However, as the directorial reins shifted to Destin Daniel Cretton—who committed to multiple Marvel projects, including a new project centered around Wonder Man—Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was cast in the lead role, moving away from Gunn’s earlier concepts.

Wonder Man’s Potential to Parody Marvel Characters

A New Perspective on Heroes: Wonder Man’s Angle

With the upcoming Wonder Man series, there’s an opportunity to revive some of James Gunn’s original ideas, particularly concerning the portrayal of Simon Williams. As he ascends in his acting career, Abdul-Mateen’s character could play a version of an Avenger in a comical in-universe film or documentary. This would allow audiences to see how the general public perceives heroes like Tony Stark or T’Challa, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

Reflecting on how the MCU has previously depicted the public’s view of its heroes, projects like Hawkeye hinted at Broadway-style interpretations of heroic tales, while Spider-Man: Far From Home showcased faux documentaries portraying events like “The Snap”or “Heart of Iron: The Tony Stark Story.”By adopting a similar lens, Wonder Man might uncover the humorous and often exaggerated narratives surrounding the Avengers, offering a fresh comedic perspective.

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