‘Wonder Man’ star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on cancellation and confidence

Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II reflects on his unconventional path from architecture and city planning to a successful acting career defined by roles in *Watchmen*, *The Trial of the Chicago 7*, and the Marvel series *Wonder Man*. He details his rigorous preparation process, which involves deep study followed by a surrender to the character’s spontaneity, a technique he uses to manage his stutter and embody complex figures like Dr. Manhattan. The conversation addresses the industry's inconsistent support for Black-led projects and the necessity for niche stories to have sufficient time to reach their intended audiences. Abdul-Mateen also shares insights into his upbringing in a multi-faith household and the influence of his late father, emphasizing how these formative experiences shaped his identity and professional resilience in an industry often driven by external expectations and rapid turnover.