Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to play Marvel's Wonder Man: Reports

"Topdog / Underdog" Broadway star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is in talks to play the title role in Marvel Studios' upcoming Disney+ superhero series “Wonder Man.",

Trade press on Monday said the actor — who in the rival DC Comics universe played supervillain Manta in "Aquaman" and earned an Emmy Award playing the enigmatic Dr. Manhattan in the HBO series “Watchmen" — would take on the role of Simon Williams, who becomes the superstrong title character. Abdul-Mateen also starred in Jordan Peele's 2021 remake of the horror movie "Candyman."

 Neither the streaming service Disney+ nor Marvel Studios has confirmed the reports, and Abdul-Mateen, 36, has not commented on his social media.

Wonder Man, introduced in "The Avengers" #9 (cover-date October 1964, on sale Aug. 11, 1964), has gone through a convoluted series of costume changes and back story, and has often stepped aside from superhero duties in order to pursue an acting career.