The Breakfast Club From HBCU Classrooms to the Marvel Universe
Feb 3, 2026
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, acclaimed actor and producer known for Aquaman and Watchmen, talks about bringing Simon Williams to life in Marvel Studios' Wonder Man. He discusses adapting the character from page to screen. He shares memorable on-set moments, how past superhero roles shaped this one, and the importance of representation and mentoring HBCU creatives.
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Wonder Man As Purpose-Driven Story
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II framed Wonder Man as a story about belief, purpose, and perseverance more than just a superhero origin.
- The HBCU roundtable highlighted how representation and personal narrative deepen the series' cultural impact.
Full-Circle Moment With HBCU Students
- Yahya discussed working with HBCU students and celebrated their pride and representation on the call.
- He expressed excitement that students get access to experiences he lacked as a student at an HBCU.
Adapting Comic Characters For Depth
- The students asked how the Simon Williams on-screen differs from the page, prompting discussion about adaptation and internal life.
- Yahya emphasized bringing emotional reality and nuance to a comic-book character for contemporary audiences.