According to Deadline, filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton (Short Term 12, Just Mercy) has decided to step away from directing Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Kang Dynasty to focus on the upcoming series, Wonder Man. The series was initially delayed due to the writer’s strike. 

The Wonder Man series focuses on Simon Williams, one of Marvel’s oldest characters. First introduced in 1964, he inherited his father’s failing munitions plant following the man’s death, only to wind up in jail for embezzlement. With Baron Zemo and the Master of Evil’s assistance, he undergoes an experiment that transforms him into Wonder Man. His comic run initiated him as a villain until the 1970s and 80s when he became a founding member of the West Coast Avengers. 

According to a previous post by mxdwn, Wonder Man is to star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Candyman, Aquaman, The Matrix: Resurrections) in the lead role. The show doesn’t have a scheduled date but plans to air sometime between 2023 and 2024. Additional cast members that will appear in the upcoming series are Ben Kingsley (Iron Man 3) as Trevor Slattery, Demetrius Grosse (The Rookie) as the Woodman, and Lauren Glazier (The Chicago 8, Class).

Despite his departure from Kang Dynasty, Daniel Cretton is still set to direct the sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, according to Deadline. It was part of his overall deal with Disney’s Marvel Studios and Onyx Collective.

“Destin is a powerhouse storyteller with impeccable taste in material,” Tara Duncan, President of Freeform & Onyx Collective said via Deadline. “As we continue to expand our roster, Destin’s unique voice will help usher in an exciting slate of content for our global audience.”

Throughout comic lore, Wonder Man has had ties with Vision and Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch. In some instances, Williams and Vision, with similar powers, were akin to brothers. Simon has also been a love interest for Wanda during Vision’s absence.