Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545191
When I first read the scripts for Wonder Man, I immediately felt that it was a love letter to Hollywood, to filmmakers, and to anyone chasing a creative dream. Being asked to serve as the Department Head Make-up on this project truly felt like a dream come true. The make-up design for the Wonder Man TV series aimed to balance realism with cinematic flair. For lead characters like Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery, the focus was on subtle, camera-ready skin work, natural-looking enhancements, and maintaining continuity across diverse lighting and scenes. Facial hair and other character-specific details were meticulously groomed to reflect each personality, while background and supporting cast received tailored looks that suited their roles and the tone of each episode. The overall goal was to support storytelling without drawing attention away from the performances. As I was asked to serve as the personal make-up artist to Sir Ben Kingsley while also heading the department, I knew it was important to have someone fully dedicated to working with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who portrayed Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man. After considering several options, I chose Ana Gabriela Quiñonez, Gaby, as we call her, to take on that role, as Assistant Department Head of Make- up. Gaby is one of the most sought-after artists, known for her exceptional attention When Destin Daniel Cretton asked me to join Wonder Man, it marked our second project together, something I felt incredibly excited and grateful for. What has always inspired me about Destin's storytelling is how grounded and human it feels. Even within a superhero universe, his work is rooted in real people, real emotion, and the small details that make characters feel authentic and relatable. That has always aligned with the way I approach hair design. I'm drawn to texture, intentional imperfection, and movement, hair that supports the story without ever overtaking it. Being given the opportunity to design and department-head hair for a Marvel project alongside Destin and this team truly felt like a dream come true. What makes working with Destin so special is not only the trust he gives his collaborators, but also the incredible community he builds around each project. After reading the script, Wonder Man felt like something special. I was told early on that it would be a new kind of show for Marvel, with an exceptional cast, and that vision was felt immediately. At its core, it's a story about two actors, Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery, both navigating their own pasts, secrets, and the challenges of making it in Hollywood. Through that shared experience, they find connection and a genuine friendship. As their relationship evolves, you not only fall in love with their Continued on page 22 Continued on page 24 WONDER MAN GOES HOLLYWOOD B Y M I H O S U Z U K I C O - D E P A R T M E N T H E A D M A K E - U P B Y C H R I S T I N E T A G A T A C D E P A R T M E N T H E A D H A I R MAKE-UP HAIR