Marvel’s Wonder Man Series Teases Oddball Avengers Line-Up

Marvel Studios appears to be taking a rather unexpected turn with its forthcoming Wonder Man series, promising a departure from the familiar formula. The show is already drawing attention for its inclusion of some of the more eccentric figures from the comic book archives, notably those associated with the Great Lakes Avengers—a group not exactly known for their mainstream appeal.

Among the confirmed cast is Doorman, a mutant whose rather niche ability allows him to transform into a living portal of dark energy. His addition marks the second time a member of the Great Lakes Avengers has made the leap to the screen, following Mister Immortal’s brief but memorable stint in She-Hulk, where he was depicted as a less-than-ideal ex-husband with a knack for surviving just about anything.

The original line-up of this offbeat team also features Dinah Soar, a human-pterodactyl hybrid; Flatman, whose two-dimensional physique is as flexible as it is peculiar; and Big Bertha, a supermodel with the power to dramatically alter her size. Each brings their own brand of oddity, making the group a far cry from the polished squads typically associated with the Avengers name.

From Unsanctioned Heroes to Reluctant Protegés

First introduced in the late 1980s, the Great Lakes Avengers were never officially recognised by their East Coast counterparts. Instead, they took it upon themselves to defend the American Midwest, borrowing the Avengers moniker without permission. Hawkeye and Mockingbird, both members of the West Coast branch, eventually took the group under their wing, attempting to instil some semblance of heroism. Still, full membership was never on the cards.

Over time, the team’s identity became something of a running joke. They cycled through a series of borrowed names—The Lightning Rods, after the Thunderbolts, and later the Great Lakes X-Men, once it was revealed they were all mutants. Eventually, they settled on Great Lakes Champions, a title with its own convoluted history in the Marvel universe. Despite the name changes, their penchant for adopting other teams’ identities remained a constant source of amusement.

Uncertain Futures and Unlikely Cameos

The most recent comic appearances saw the group revert to their original, if still unofficial, title. Their efforts, while rarely slick, have at least earned them a measure of tolerance from the wider superhero community. Whether this ragtag bunch will ever be fully embraced remains to be seen.

As for Doorman’s role in Wonder Man, details are thin on the ground. However, the existence of the so-called “Doorman Clause”—an insurance waiver for actors in the MCU’s universe, certifying they lack superhuman abilities—suggests his powers will play a part in the story. It’s a safe bet he won’t be just a background character.

Speculation abounds as to whether Marvel is quietly assembling a new team of misfits, distinct from the likes of the Thunderbolts or the main Avengers roster. Yet, with Marvel’s penchant for surprise cameos and red herrings, it’s anyone’s guess who might turn up next.

Room for the Unconventional

There’s every chance that the inclusion of multiple Great Lakes Avengers is building towards something more substantial. On the other hand, it’s just as plausible that these appearances are little more than playful nods to long-time fans, with no grand plan in sight.

Given the sheer number of characters still waiting in the wings—Hercules, Clea, Skarr, to name a few—it seems unlikely that Marvel would devote significant resources to a team best known for their comic relief. Still, the very existence of a Wonder Man series, a character whose profile barely eclipses that of the Great Lakes Avengers, suggests that nothing is off the table.

All eight episodes of Wonder Man are set to land on Disney Plus on 27 January. For those keeping an eye on Marvel’s ever-expanding universe, it’s worth watching to see just how far the studio is willing to go in embracing its more peculiar heroes.