‘The Matrix’ Star Confirms Role in Upcoming MCU TV Series

Joe Pantoliano is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 74-year-old actor revealed that he has a role in the upcoming Disney+ series Wonder Man.

He made the announcement at a Matrix reunion panel during New York Comic Con on Sunday. Entertainment Weekly confirmed the news and reached out to Marvel for comment.

Pantoliano didn’t share any details about his character, but he said he enjoyed working on the series alongside Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. “Yahya!” he said, jokingly calling out his co-star. “And Sir Ben Kingsley. Just to hear him say my name, Joe Pantoliano.”

The actor also had some fun sharing a nickname story. He explained that Kingsley never used his usual nickname, “Joey Pants,” on set. “No, never, he never did. He called me Lord Trousers,” Pantoliano joked. “I can’t be Joey. I’m 74, so it’s Joseph Trousers.”

This isn’t Pantoliano’s first Marvel experience. He previously appeared as Ben Urich in the 2003 Daredevil film starring Ben Affleck. It’s not yet clear if he will reprise that role in Wonder Man or play a completely new character.

The Disney+ series stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, an actor auditioning for the lead in a new Wonder Man reboot. He teams up with Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery, and the two form a fast friendship through their shared love of acting.

The show was originally expected to premiere in December 2025, but Marvel has moved the release to January 2026. According to series producer Winderbaum, “We don’t want it to get swallowed up by people watching Home Alone and Die Hard and Elf.’”

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!