What Advice Hugh Jackman Gave to Yahya Abdul-Mateen II After DCEU Casting

Hugh Jackman once shared a key piece of advice with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II after the actor was cast in a major role within the DC Extended Universe. Speaking ahead of his transition to a new superhero role, Abdul-Mateen reflected on the moment and the impact Jackman’s words had on his approach.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on what advice he got from Hugh Jackman after casting in Aquaman

On the Heroes Journey podcast, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II revealed the advice Hugh Jackman gave him after he landed his role in Aquaman. “I was on the set of The Greatest Showman. And I remember people clapping and cheering for me, and things like that,” Abdul-Mateen II said. “And Hugh Jackman gave me some advice. He’s like, ‘It’s always better to play the villain.’” Jackman told him, “You win all the fights except for the last one. You work the least amount of days. And you get to say all the cool lines!”

Abdul-Mateen II first auditioned for Aquaman in late 2016 and early 2017. “The superhero thing was big in 2016 when I auditioned for Aquaman… I think, ‘This is going to change my life.’ You know what I mean? And I wanted it. I did want it. I wanted it in the pure way. It felt like I put in a lot of hard work, and I wanted to have a moment,” he said. He debuted as the villain Black Manta in the 2018 film Aquaman.

Abdul-Mateen II reprised his role as Black Manta in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the final installment in the DC Extended Universe. James Gunn and Peter Safran have not confirmed whether Black Manta will appear in their DC Universe. Despite the uncertainty, the role launched Abdul-Mateen II’s ongoing involvement in superhero media.

He now stars as Simon “Wonder Man” Williams in Marvel’s Wonder Man. Disney+ will begin streaming the series on January 27, 2026. The show joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe and includes Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery. Andrew Guest wrote Wonder Man, and Disney+ distributes it.

Abdul-Mateen II has described the transition from playing a villain to a hero as both challenging and rewarding. He noted that stepping into the Marvel Universe required him to balance the charm and wit of Wonder Man with the intensity of his previous roles, creating a new dynamic that fans could enjoy.

“Playing Black Manta taught me a lot about timing and presence,” Abdul-Mateen II said in a recent interview. “Villains often get the most memorable moments in movies, and I learned how to own the screen. With Wonder Man, I want to bring that same energy but in a way that inspires people rather than intimidates them.”

Fans of both the DC and Marvel franchises have expressed excitement about seeing Abdul-Mateen II take on a hero role after his performance as a villain. Social media reactions highlighted the actor’s versatility, with many noting that his charisma and physicality make him a standout in any superhero universe.

Behind the scenes, Abdul-Mateen II credits mentorship from seasoned actors like Hugh Jackman for his ability to navigate these transitions. He shared that Jackman’s advice gave him perspective on choosing roles that are both fun and strategically advantageous, helping him grow in his career while maintaining his artistic integrity.

Looking ahead, Abdul-Mateen II expressed enthusiasm about exploring the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe through Wonder Man. He hinted at potential crossover appearances and exciting story arcs that could expand the character’s reach and offer fans a deeper look into his journey.

“I feel lucky to be part of both the DC and Marvel worlds,” Abdul-Mateen II said. “Each has its own energy, its own fan base, and its own challenges. Learning from the past and applying that experience to new roles has been crucial, and I can’t wait for audiences to see what’s next.”