Hugh Jackman’s Key Advice to Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Pre-“Aquaman” Villain Role

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, known for his role as Black Manta, received invaluable advice from Hugh Jackman before taking on his first superhero role in “Aquaman.” During an interview on the Heroes Journey podcast with Sean O’Connell, Abdul-Mateen II reflected on this pivotal advice as he navigated the landscape of comic book films.

Advice from Hugh Jackman

In the interview, Abdul-Mateen II recounted his experience auditioning for “Aquaman” in late 2016 and early 2017. He expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I think this is going to change my life.”

While on the set of “The Greatest Showman,” he received Jackman’s encouragement. Jackman advised, “It’s always better to play the villain. You win all the fights except for the last one. You work the least amount of days. And you get to say all the cool lines!” Abdul-Mateen II felt exhilarated by this guidance.

Return as Black Manta and Future Roles

Abdul-Mateen II reprised his role as Black Manta in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” a significant part of the DC Extended Universe, which has been met with mixed reviews. The future of Black Manta in the upcoming DC Universe remains uncertain, as the franchise undergoes a transformation under James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Despite this ambiguity, Abdul-Mateen II’s journey in superhero films is just beginning.

Leading Role in Marvel’s Wonder Man

Abdul-Mateen II takes the lead in “Wonder Man,” portraying Simon “Wonder Man” Williams. Critics have praised his portrayal, noting his deep connection with the audience. Jamie Parker from CBR highlighted how Abdul-Mateen II makes Simon relatable as he seeks love and respect.

• Critic Praise: “Abdul-Mateen’s performance is so compelling that he is all but assured to become a Marvel fan favorite,” remarked Aidan Kelley from Collider.
• Core Performances: Screen Rant emphasized that the dynamic between Abdul-Mateen II and co-star Ben Kingsley adds depth to the series.

Wonder Man Release Details

“Wonder Man” is set to stream on Disney+ starting January 27, 2026. With Andrew Guest as the writer, the series promises to be an exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As Yahya Abdul-Mateen II steps into the role of Wonder Man, the insights shared by Hugh Jackman serve as a remarkable reminder of the importance of mentorship in the entertainment industry.