Wonder Man’s MCU Timeline Confuses, Yet Makes Perfect Sense
The integration of Wonder Man into the Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) timeline has sparked confusion among fans. Despite this, its placement is logical within the broader context of the MCU’s narrative timeline. Production for Wonder Man spanned from April 2023 to March 2024, which led many to anticipate its release at an earlier date in the timeline.
Understanding Wonder Man’s Placement in the MCU Timeline
Promotional materials revealed that the series opens with a casting call dated January 2026. Following its release, Disney+ updated its MCU Complete Timeline, confirming that Wonder Man fits chronologically after Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, situated within Phase 6.
- Wonder Man’s opening is set in early 2026.
- Ben Kingsley’s character, Trevor Slattery, impacts the timeline by noting he is 13 years sober, aligning his timeline with events post-Iron Man 3, which was released in December 2012.
- The series is expected to culminate shortly after the events of Thunderbolts and its post-credit scene teasing Avengers: Doomsday.
The Timeline Complexity
While it is presumed that the in-universe Wonder Man movie took approximately 1.5 to two years for production and post-production, this places its potential premiere in 2027. Thunderbolts is thought to unfold in the latter half of 2027, with a post-credit scene time jump to late 2028 or early 2029.
It remains unclear how closely Williams’ Yucca Valley adventures with Chuck follow the Wonder Man premiere. However, the timeline cannot extend far beyond, as Agent Cleary presents his “Preliminary Report” on the set destruction caused by Wonder Man’s ionic powers.
Current MCU Timeline Overview
| MCU Project | Release Order |
|---|---|
| Captain America: The First Avenger | 1 |
| Thor: The Dark World | 16 |
| Iron Man 3 | 8 |
| Wonder Man | Latest |
| Thunderbolts | Upcoming |
| The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Upcoming |
Future of Wonder Man
The potential for a second season of Wonder Man is uncertain. If renewed, the series’ creative team has suggested various storylines, yet a second season would likely need a fast-tracked production schedule to fit into the MCU before Avengers: Secret Wars.
Ultimately, Wonder Man’s placement reflects both the complexities of MCU narratives and the challenges of production timelines. Its introduction helps bridge the gap towards upcoming events in the franchise, preparing fans for the significant shifts expected in Avengers: Doomsday.
