Phumzile Sitole becomes the latest South African creative to enter the Marvel universe, starring in the upcoming Wonder Man series on Disney+.
South African talent continues to move the needle globally. This time, it’s Phumzile Sitole stepping into the Marvel universe.
Sitole has joined the cast of Wonder Man, an upcoming Marvel Studios series set to land on Disney+ on 27 January 2026. She stars as Lauren, alongside Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, in a project that’s already generating serious buzz.
Created by filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton, best known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Wonder Man is an eight-part series with a sharp, self-aware edge. It follows the journey of an actor-turned-superhero and leans into comedy, character and the strange mechanics of fame. Think Marvel, but slightly off-centre.
Watch the Wonder Man trailer here:
For Sitole, the role marks a major milestone. Her career has been built over more than a decade across New York and Los Angeles, with roots firmly in Johannesburg. She’s classically trained, with an MFA in Acting from Columbia University School of the Arts, and has spent years moving between theatre, television and film.
You’ve likely seen her before. Sitole has appeared in Orange Is the New Black and The Good Fight, and played a commanding role in Star Trek: Discovery, bringing depth and authority to one of TV’s most iconic franchises.
But acting is only part of the story. Sitole is also a filmmaker, working under her own banner, Triple One Eight Productions. Her work focuses on cross-continental storytelling and creative exchange. Her latest short film, MINKY, is set to premiere in 2026. Shot in black and white, it explores memory and identity, and is already drawing attention for its visual restraint and emotional clarity.
“I’ve spent over a decade dedicated to my craft,” Sitole says. “On stages off-Broadway and beyond, on sets around the world, and now behind the camera. Joining the MCU is an incredible honour.”
She describes working with Cretton as a highlight, and sees the role as a reflection of her journey. From Johannesburg to New York, and back home again.
With Wonder Man, Marvel opens the door to a more reflective kind of superhero story. And with Sitole on screen, it also brings a piece of South African creative excellence into one of the biggest cultural machines in the world.
For local talent watching from home, it’s a reminder. The path can be long. But it can also lead anywhere.
Tune in on 27 January 2026 on Disney+ to watch Wonder Man.
