'Wonder Man' star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on the show's cancellation : NPR

Key Points:

• Yahya Abdul-Mateen II expressed disappointment over the cancellation of Marvel's Wonder Man after its first season, noting a concerning pattern of Marvel canceling Black-led projects despite critical recognition, including his Emmy nomination.
• Abdul-Mateen believes Wonder Man needed more time to build its audience, especially among Black viewers who may discover niche projects more slowly, and emphasized his gratitude for being part of the show.
• The actor shared insights into his journey to acting, which began accidentally in college, and how acting helped him manage his stutter by relying on muscle memory and rehearsal.
• Growing up in an interfaith household and attending 13 different schools shaped Abdul-Mateen's strong sense of self, confidence, and appreciation for spirituality.
• Looking ahead to the Emmy Awards, Abdul-Mateen expressed excitement about potentially meeting Steve Carell, highlighting his admiration for The Office and his down-to-earth attitude toward fame.