"Hollywood's Heartbeat: 'Wonder Man's' Journey Through Los Angeles' Soul"
Crafting an Authentic Los Angeles: The Vision Behind "Wonder Man"'s Settings
The acclaimed limited series "Wonder Man" from Marvel Television provides a reflective take on the life of a superhero, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, a budding actor with extraordinary abilities. Williams navigates the familiar landscape of Los Angeles's studios, eateries, and cinemas, aspiring to land the lead in the reboot of the "Wonder Man" film. From the grand movie houses of Hollywood Boulevard to the bustling streets of Pacoima, the show is steeped in the genuine essence of L.A.
The Curated Canvas: Production Designers' Approach to Location Scouting
The series benefits significantly from the expertise of production designers Cindy Chao and Michele Yu, both natives of Los Angeles. Their deep personal histories with the city, including childhood memories of local theaters and distinctive landmarks like the Superior Tile man on Laurel Canyon Boulevard, inform the show's rich visual narrative. Yu emphasizes that their role in location shooting is akin to curating the environment, deliberately seeking out evocative, less obvious backdrops to convey a more profound sense of place.
Peeling Back the Layers: Unveiling the True L.A. Experience
Yu elaborates on their intention to present a nuanced version of Los Angeles, one that explores beneath its superficial layers. She likens this process to peeling an onion, revealing the complex realities of Hollywood that often diverge from idealized dreams. The team prioritized showcasing the city's diverse facets, from expected landmarks to the everyday experiences of L.A. residents. They even embarked on exploratory trips to locations like Randyland in Echo Park, though some, like this folk art display, didn't make the final cut.
Historic Cinemas as Storytelling Backdrops: The Highland and Eagle Theaters
The production designers underscore the importance of filming in Los Angeles, not only for practical reasons and personal connections but also for supporting the local film industry. Among the chosen sites are the Highland and Eagle Theaters. Simon Williams and Trevor's initial encounter unfolds at a screening of "Midnight Cowboy" at the Highland Theater in Northeast L.A.'s Highland Park, one of several classic L.A. cinemas featured. Yu highlights the desire to present a variety of visually distinct, locally recognized theaters.
Architectural Grandeur: The Lloyd Wright-Designed Sowden House
Later, flashbacks to Simon's 90s childhood movie experiences are set at the Eagle Theater in Eagle Rock, now Vidiots, meticulously dressed to reflect the era. The designers thoughtfully included details like a fruit vendor to enhance the authentic neighborhood atmosphere. A striking architectural gem, the Sowden House in Los Feliz, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's son Lloyd Wright in 1926, serves as a key filming location for the movie-within-a-movie scenes in "Wonder Man."
Hollywood's Grand Stage: The Fox Village Theater
This distinctive Neo-Mayan structure, reminiscent of a ziggurat, brings an immediate sense of intrigue and ominous beauty to the screen. The Fox Village Theater in Westwood Village, now collectively owned by filmmakers including Jason Reitman, hosts the premiere of the "Wonder Man" movie. Yu expresses sorrow over the closure of many beloved establishments where filming took place, emphasizing the importance of preserving these cinematic memories.
Opulence and Eccentricity: Von Kovak's Mansion
Chao fondly recalls watching "Titanic" at the Fox Theater, highlighting the venue's epic significance. The mansion of the eccentric filmmaker Van Kovak, who directs the "Wonder Man" remake, is situated in Beverly Hills, offering breathtaking city views. Yu and Chao deliberately sought a grand, yet less recognizable, gate for the mansion, ultimately choosing a location whose architectural peculiarities added a layer of absurdity and showcased the unique, successful side of L.A. and Hollywood quirkiness.
A Star's Sanctuary: The Talmadge Apartment Building
Ben Kingsley's character, a faded star, resides in the historic Talmadge building on Wilshire Boulevard in Koreatown. The production designers envisioned his apartment as a collection of memories, accumulated over years, reflecting his past successes and world travels. Yu notes the building's enduring beauty despite its age, with its intricate Renaissance Revival details providing a rich backdrop for a character whose true nature gradually unfolds.
Culinary L.A.: Mother Wolf and Taix Restaurants
The series features two distinct Los Angeles restaurants: the trendy Mother Wolf and the classic Taix French Restaurant in Echo Park. Mother Wolf was selected for its status as a contemporary Hollywood hotspot, representing a vibrant subculture of L.A.'s dining scene, with a fascinating history as a former newspaper office. Yu describes it as a "classic L.A. reinvention," praising its luxurious interiors that perfectly set the stage for characters celebrating their newfound success.
Studio City Legacy: Radford and Paramount Studios
Taix French Restaurant, chosen for its historical significance and personal connections to the designers, provides an intimate yet sometimes tense atmosphere, reflecting a bygone era of Los Angeles. The movie studio sequences in "Wonder Man" are a composite of Radford Studios and its New York street, alongside the iconic Paramount lot. Chao associates Paramount with classic Hollywood, while Yu emphasizes the desire to give the characters a magical, grand studio experience.