Disney+ reconfirmed that Marvel’s least-anticipated present nonetheless has a launch window this yr. To date, in 2025, Marvel Studios has been bringing it on the Disney-owned streaming platform. Hits like Daredevil: Born Once more, Ironheart, and Your Pleasant Neighborhood Spider-Man have made waves on the streamer. And the remainder of the yr appears no completely different with the long-awaited Marvel Zombies collection (a brand new R-rated animated MCU collection) set for launch in October. Nonetheless, that’s yet another Marvel present on the way in which that has considerably fallen by means of the cracks.
Surprise Man was as soon as once more confirmed to nonetheless be on the way in which for later this yr, regardless of hype across the collection being comparatively tame at this level. The Yahya Abdul-Mateen II-led streaming present has flown largely beneath the radar, because the character stays comparatively unknown, and there was a scarcity of thrilling advertising and marketing beats so far. Some have even gone so far as to name it maybe Marvel’s least anticipated present of all time.
Disney introduced, in a current Disney+ listing, that Surprise Man remains to be coming later this yr.
The brand new 2025 launch sheet for the platform nonetheless lists the brand new live-action MCU collection as coming someday in December 2025, regardless of anticipation for the collection having reached an all-time low among the many MCU fandom.
Stunted anticipation for the brand new collection from Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton (who can be engaged on Spider-Man: Model New Day) doubtless has to do with simply how lengthy the present has been gestating, after being introduced all the way in which again in June 2022.
The character as a complete can be a relative unknown to a lot of the MCU devoted. With no recognizable face to seize onto or an thrilling confirmed character cameo, it may be exhausting for a brand new Marvel Studios present to drum up hype fairly like another tasks would possibly be capable to.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply followers shouldn’t be excited for the brand new collection. The truth is, there are many causes to get amped up for Surprise Man.
Surprise Man tells the story of fledgling Hollywood actor Simon William (Mateen), who, after a mysterious accident, leaves him with impenetrable pores and skin and tremendous power. The brand new Marvel Studios collection will come to Disney+ in December and can include eight episodes. Becoming a member of Mateen on this super-powered journey will probably be Demetrius Grosse as Eric Williams/Grim Reaper, Ed Harris as Neal Saroyan, and returning MCU star Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery.
This is Why You Ought to Be Excited For Surprise Man
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Is an Wonderful Actor
The expertise behind Surprise Man is actually one thing to marvel at (pun completely supposed). And on the head of the snake for the brand new streaming collection is Simon Williams actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
Mateen might be greatest identified by Marvel followers for his work on the oft-maligned Aquaman franchise because the villainous Black Manta, however he has a protracted historical past of handing over completely stellar performances throughout his illustrious profession. Say what you’ll about Auqaman, however Mateen is just not the issue with these. The truth is, he is without doubt one of the highlights of its star-studded forged.
The Surprise Man star is one among Hollywood’s greatest, most underrated actors. The 39-year-old even received an Emmy for his work on HBO’s Watchmen collection, through which he performed the brooding Cal Abar/Physician Manhattan. So, followers are getting an award-winning performing expertise in Mateen, able to put his stamp on the MCU.
Destin Daniel Cretton’s Rising MCU Star
One other rising star connected to Surprise Man is director Destin Daniel Cretton. Cretton made a reputation for himself within the MCU along with his work on the Simu Liu-led Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (one of many Multiverse Saga’s most widely-beloved motion pictures to this point).
Since then, the Marvel Studios brass has beloved Cretton’s work inside the franchise a lot that he was (at one level) connected to direct the fifth Avengers film earlier than being supplied one of many largest names beneath the Marvel banner: Spider-Man.
What higher approach to get one other style of Cretton’s wonderful work inside the MCU earlier than subsequent summer time’s Spider-Man: Courageous New World than by giving his Surprise Man collection an opportunity?
A Potential Avengers Connection
One thing Marvel Studios has at all times thrived at is introducing audiences to new characters (like Surprise Man) and displaying their significance to the higher universe by grounding them within the context of the present MCU story at hand. And Surprise Man might be no completely different.
Within the comics, the character is a key participant in a number of Avengers tales and one of many founding members of the West Coast Avengers. That would imply that whereas Surprise Man might begin out as a comparatively innocuous MCU streaming collection, it may flip right into a key constructing block towards one of many comedian model’s most iconic groups.
Followers ought to tune in, because the West Coast Avengers may come into play within the MCU due to Surprise Man’s introduction, or he may no less than be a part of the mainline Avengers workforce for their subsequent super-powered journey.
