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For other uses, see Mandarin (disambiguation)
For alternate versions of Trevor Slattery, see Trevor Slattery's Character Hub

"It's a show people want and I gave them a good one. It's not the Mandarin they'll remember, it's the name, Trevor Slattery."
―Trevor Slattery to Jackson Norriss[src]

Trevor Slattery is an actor who, having struggled with his career, drug addictions and various other legal problems, was approached by Aldrich Killian to pose as the Mandarin. Taking up responsibility for all of the widespread accidents, caused by Killian's experiments and framing them as bombings, the Mandarin persona presented Slattery as the actual leader of the Ten Rings, becoming the world's most feared terrorist. However, Slattery's role was discovered by Tony Stark, who had Slattery arrested and then sent into Seagate Penitentiary. While in prison, Slattery took advantage of his newly found fame, allowing Jackson Norriss to film and produce a documentary about his life, only to learn Norriss worked for Xu Wenwu, the true Mandarin, who had then proceeded to kidnap Slattery.

Slattery managed to avoid Wenwu's wrath by using his acting skills to entertain the Ten Rings, being allowed to survive in exchange for him then becoming Wenwu's court jester, leading him to live in isolation for many years, with only a Dijiang named Morris as his companion. Eventually, Slattery met Wenwu's children, Shang-Chi and Xu Xialing, along with their friend Katy Chen, who were also sent to be locked up. Slattery accompanied his new party, as they all escaped from the Ten Rings Headquarters, serving as Morris' translator as he guided them into his home realm of Ta Lo. When Wenwu and the Ten Rings followed them into the dimension, Slattery participated in their subsequent battle and survived the Dweller-in-Darkness' attack. Following the memorial, Slattery chose to remain within Ta Lo to be with Morris.

Biography[]

Early Life[]

Raised by his Mother[]

"October 12th, 1964, that was the day I landed by first role. Boatswain 1, Shakespeare's Tempest. Obviously, I told her I was the lead. I always was a bloody great liar."
"So, I assume the two of you were close."
"She was everything to me."
―Trevor Slattery and Jackson Norriss[src]
Trevor mom

Trevor Slattery and his mother in 1964

Trevor Slattery grew up in Liverpool, England with his beloved mother; his dream was always to be a world-renowned stage actor and his mother often took him to the theatre to help fuel his passion for the stage.[2] In 1964, Slattery got his first role of Boatswain 1, in William Shakespeare's The Tempest at the Royal Court Theatre, which he told his mother was actually the lead role of the play, in his attempt to impress her.[2]

In 1968, Slattery and his mother watched the Planet of the Apes in the cinema, although Slattery was confused how monkeys could learn to ride horses. His mother explained that they were just acting, but Slattery understood as meaning that the director got monkeys to pretend that they were riding horses, which baffled him.[3] Although Slattery and his mother were very close, with Slattery noting that she was everything to him, he failed to be with her when she passed away in 1986 as Slattery was still continuing to pursue his dream as an actor in the United States of America.[2]

Acting Career[]

StarringTrevorSlattery

Slattery starring in Caged Heat

"I know it's a little over-the-top sometimes. It's not entirely my fault; he has a tend... he's... he's a stage actor. They say his Lear was the toast of Croydon, wherever that is."
Aldrich Killian to Tony Stark[src]

As Slattery continued to pursue his dream, he grew up to be a small-time actor whose biggest claim to fame was the lead role in an unsold 1986 CBS pilot called Caged Heat in which he portrayed Genadiy Mihaylovich Sheobokob, an aggressive KGB operative. The pilot was never picked up as it was of poor quality and featured an alcoholic monkey. Slattery, however, insisted that it was too sophisticated for the networks. To push the idea of his successful career, Slattery later insisted that he had worked with and been flirted with by actor Sean Connery, although this was likely a lie.[2]

The Mandarin[]

Recruited by Aldrich Killian[]

Mandarin big

Slattery performing as the "Mandarin"

"I was offered the role of a terrorist. I know, facile, trite, I couldn't agree more. But times were lean, you know what I mean? Anyway, the producer told me he worked for the BBC."
―Trevor Slattery to Shang-Chi[src]

Down on his luck and with serious drug addiction, Slattery was approached by Aldrich Killian, the founder of the Advanced Idea Mechanics who posed as a BBC producer[3], with a job offer. Killian needed to masquerade his failed experiments with Extremis as terrorist attacks. So he needed someone, a feared terrorist who would publicly take responsibility for those attacks. Killian gave Slattery plastic surgery so no one could recognize him, and from that day on, Slattery posed as the leader of the Ten Rings, a legendary warlord affiliated with said organization.[1] Slattery used the name Killian had invented, which was "Mandarin".[3]

TheMandarin-IM3

Slattery on location in Afghanistan filming

Whenever one of Killian's experiments with Extremis would fail, causing explosions and a great number of civilian casualties, the Mandarin would appear on television and say this was "another lesson" for the American people. Between the two performances, Slattery would spend his time in the company of prostitutes, enjoying an endless supply of drugs and alcohol. Slattery was invited to travel to Afghanistan to film scenes of him as the Mandarin, although he was not trusted to use a real gun.[1]

History Lesson of America[]

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Mandarin records a threatening message

"President Ellis, you continue to resist my attempts to educate you, sir. And now, you've missed me again. You know who I am, you don't know where I am, and you'll never see me coming."
―Trevor Slattery to Matthew Ellis[src]

Recorded from Aldrich Killian's Mansion, Slattery filmed a message for President Matthew Ellis, in which he discussed the history of the United States of America. During this, Slattery described his persona of the Mandarin as a teacher, rather than a terrorist, with his comments being cut together with footage Slattery had shot in Afghanistan, in order to make the illusion of Slattery being the true leader of the Ten Rings more believable.

SlatteryMandarinFirstVideo1

Mandarin claims responsibility for terrorism

Slattery commented on a battle in 1864 in Colorado, in which the United States Armed Forces slaughtered the wives and children of the natives in order to claim their land, noting that the military had waited for the braves of the villages had gone hunting, before they had begun their attack. During a comparison with this incident, Slattery then claimed responsibility for a bombing of the Ali Al Salem Air Base, noting that women and children had been killed in this attack.

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Mandarin directly threatening Matthew Ellis

Slattery then spoke directly to President Ellis, claiming that he was continuing to resist all of his attempts to educate him, and had missed his opportunity to catch him once again. With footage of Slattery burning a model of President Ellis in Afghanistan playing over his message, Slattery had then warned that Ellis knew who he was but not where he was, and would never see his attacks coming, before finally ending the broadcast.[1]

Chinese Theatre Destruction[]

FakeMandarinOnThePhone-IM3DeletedScene

Mandarin is told about the last explosion

"Mr. President, I know this must be getting frustrating, but this season of terror is drawing to a close. And don't worry... the big one is coming: your graduation."
―Trevor Slattery to Matthew Ellis[src]

When Jack Taggart injected himself with Extremis and had exploded before the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, Slattery was told to claim responsibility.[1] While Slattery had been getting himself into character inside the Mansion, he received a phonecall explaining the details of the explosion, with Slattery remaining in character as he suggested the theme of China be used during the message.[5]

FakeMandarinEyesCloseUp

Mandarin comments on the recent bombing

Beginning the message by smashing a fortune cookie, Slattery had explained that the cookies were an American knock off, designed to look and sound Chinese, but were actually an invention by the United States of America. Slattery went on to call the cookies hallow, full of lies, and would leave a bad taste in the mouth, like the Americans. Having made this metaphor, Slattery had then claimed that it the Ten Rings were the ones responsible for destroying the Chinese Theatre, which he called another cheap American knock off.

SlatteryMandarinDiscussingTheatreBombing

Mandarin promises a final attack is coming

While footage of the injured Happy Hogan being taken out of the wreak of the Chinese Theatre was being played over his speech, Slattery had then acknowledged that President Matthew Ellis must be getting frustrated by the ongoing situation, but promised that his season of terror would be coming to a close. Slattery also promised Ellis that his final and greatest attack would be coming soon, while footage of him in Afghanistan played over, showing him with his followers, and shooting a picture of Ellis.[1]

Attack on Tony Stark[]

FakeMandarinArrivingForFilming

Mandarin arrives to film another message

"Well then, what are we waiting for?"
―Trevor Slattery to Aldrich Killian[src]

Since Tony Stark's friend Happy Hogan had been severely injured by the explosion at the TCL Chinese Theatre, this resulted in Stark challenging the Mandarin to a final fight on the news, as he announced the address of his Mansion to draw the Mandarin out, unaware of Slattery's true identity, and the true conspiracy. This challenge was accepted by Aldrich Killian, who sent out Eric Savin to lead a team and destroy the Mansion with Stark inside.

Trevor-Slattery-WhatAreWeWaitingFor

Mandarin ordering Aldrich Killian to begin

Once the mansion had been destroyed, with Stark seemingly being killed, Slattery was called upon to record a response as the Mandarin. Slattery was then driven to Killian's Mansion, as he arrived in character, walking past Killian's guards without making eye contact, before having his hood removed by all his aides. Once in position, Slattery demanded that they begin immediately while Killian watched from the sidelines, with Slattery claiming the responsibility for the recent attack against Stark.[1]

"Killing" Thomas Richards[]

FakeMandarinTelevisionThreat1

Mandarin broadcasting another message

"There's just one lesson left, President Ellis. So run away, hide, kiss your children goodbye. Because nothing, not your army, not your red, white and blue attack dog can save you. I'll see you soon."
―Trevor Slattery to Matthew Ellis[src]

Slattery was called upon once again to film a scene in which he would impersonate the Mandarin, this time recruiting Thomas Richards into the scene. Once their feed was broadcast across the United States of America, including the United States Congress and Air Force One, Slattery addressed President Matthew Ellis, telling him that two lessons remained, and he intended to finish before Christmas.

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Mandarin prepares to kill Thomas Richards

Slattery then presented Richards to the feed, explaining that he was an accountant for the Roxxon Corporation, noting that he was sure that Richards was a nice man. However, Slattery then promised that he would shoot Richards in the head in thirty seconds, unless President Ellis rang the phone next to him, explaining that the number for the phone was in President Ellis' phone. Slattery then jokingly claimed that the President must be excited by imagining how all of this had been done.

FakeMandarinExecutionThreat2

Mandarin giving Matthew Ellis his orders

Having given Ellis only thirty seconds to respond, Slattery waited, until the phone next to him began to ring, indicating that Ellis had done as instructed in order to save Richards' life. However, despite the phone ringing, Slattery ignored it and proceeded to seemingly shoot Richards in the head. Slattery then told Ellis and the rest of America that there was only one lesson left to go, and Ellis had no other choice but to run and hide, because not even Iron Patriot would be able to protect him.

FakeMandarinTelevisionThreat4

Mandarin giving Matthew Ellis a final threat

With that, Slattery promised that he would see Ellis soon, and ended the broadcast. Once the broadcast was complete, Richards, who was also another actor, stood up and shook hands with Slattery. Slattery was called to record another message, in the wake of Aldrich Killian sending out Eric Savin to use the stolen Iron Patriot Armor to kidnap President Ellis, with Slattery prerecording his broadcast regarding the intended execution of Ellis, which Slattery failed to comprehend.[1]

Confronted by Tony Stark[]

TSlatterySteppingOutTheToilet

Slattery stepping away from the bathroom

"Don't hurt the face! I'm an actor."
"You got a minute to live, fill it with words."
"Just a role. The 'Mandarin', see, it's not real."
―Trevor Slattery and Tony Stark[src]

Following another performance, Slattery was rewarded with two women to sleep with, as he continued indulging himself with drugs and alcohol which had been provided. Having slept with the women, Slattery went to the bathroom, and came out suggesting the women not follow him in there due to the bad smell, laughing about this. Slattery had then asked for Vanessa, as he threw her a Fortune Cookie to eat.

Trevor-Slattery-BloodyEll

Slattery being confronted by Tony Stark

While Slattery commented that Fortune Cookies were not actually from China, he failed to pay attention to one of the women telling him that there was somebody in the room. Slattery then continued to explain that the cookies had been invented in the United States of America and were based on a recipe from Japan. However, before he could continue with this, Slattery was interrupted by Tony Stark, who held him at gunpoint.

TSlatteryPullingFunnyFace

Slattery offers Tony Stark the two women

Shocked by Stark's arrival, Slattery immediately put his hands up and expressed his surprise, while Stark ordered him to not move. Attempting to get out of the situation, Slattery immediately offered Stark to take whatever he wanted from the room, although he noted that the guns were actually fake, since he was not trusted with real ones. Slattery had then offered Stark on of the women to sleep with, which Stark refused.

TSlattery-HeyItsComplicated

Slattery insists the situation is complicated

To Slattery's horror, Stark then became angry as he demanded to know where the real Mandarin was, as he insisted that Slattery was not the real man. Moving towards one of the chairs, Slattery sat down and attempted to explain that the Mandarin was both there, and not there, insisting that the situation was complicated. As Stark demanded Slattery explain what was happening, he also told the women to hide in the bathroom.

TSlatteryThreatenedByTStark

Slattery explaining that he is just an actor

While Stark locked the women in the bathroom, Slattery attempted to crawl away, only to be immediately caught by Stark, who fired his gun near his head, causing Slattery to crawl back to his chair in fear. Slattery had then introduced himself, as Stark demanded to know what he was, questioning if he was a decoy for the real Mandarin, which Slattery took offence at, insisting that he was not an understudy, but an actor.

TSlattery-TheMandarinIsNotReal

Slattery claiming the Mandarin is not real

Stark gave Slattery a minute to explain everything, to which Slattery told him that the Mandarin was simply a role that he was playing, and did not actually exist. With Stark also questioning how he got into the situation, Slattery confessed to his problems with drugs, admitting to being forced onto the streets as a result. Slattery explained that A.I.M. had approached him about the role of the Mandarin, in exchange for drugs and women.

TSlatteryAdmitsAKilliansActions

Slattery admits to Aldrich Killian's actions

Slattery explained how A.I.M. had provided him with the Mansion to live in, as well as plastic surgery, only to then fall asleep mid sentence. As Stark woke him up with a kick, Slattery noted that he was also given his own speed boat, before explaining that Aldrich Killian needed somebody to take the blame for the explosions caused by Extremis, with Stark then realising that it was Killian who had created the fake Mandarin.

Iroman3 4700

Slattery commenting on his 'Mandarin' role

As he continued to fail to understand the gravity of the situation, Slattery began to brag about being a custom made terror treat, slipping back into his Mandarin voice to quote his scripts while he collected two beers and offered one to Stark, who had turned it down. Slattery bragged that his performance brought their Mandarin to life, although Stark claimed that his performance contributed to people dying, which Slattery denied.

TSlatteryQuestioningCloseUp-IM3

Slattery learning the truth about his actions

Slattery then pointed to the costumes and green screens to prove that nothing the Mandarin had done was real, noting that he had barely even gone to Afghanistan to film some of the attention scenes. However, Stark remained extremely serious, as he noted that Happy Hogan might not survive the coma he was in following one of these Extremis explosions, while noting that he intended to make both Slattery and Killian pay.

Trevor-Slattery-Opens-Beer

Slattery speaks to Eric Savin about his info

However, before Stark could take Slattery into custody, they were then interrupted by the arrival of Eric Savin, with Slattery witnessing Savin knocking Stark unconscious with a punch to the head. Savin questioned what Slattery told Stark, to which Slattery denied telling him anything. As Savin advised Slattery to push the panic button next time, Slattery had bragged that he had panicked, but handled it, as he opened a beer.[1]

Giving Up Answers[]

TSlatteryWakingUpWithBeer

Slattery being awoken by Iron Man's return

"I know, I'm shorter in person, bit small, everyone says that. But, hey, if you're here to arrest me, there's some people I'd like to roll on."
"Here's how it works, Meryl Streep; you tell him where Pepper is."
―Trevor Slattery and Iron Man[src]

A few hours later, Slattery had taken a rest while drinking and watching the football in the mansion, falling asleep on his chair, while three of his models played ping pong nearby. Slattery only awoke when two guards began shooting at Iron Man, before James Rhodes smashed through a window and shot and killed the guards, with Slattery's immediate reaction being to simply to continue drinking his beer.

Iroman3 5403

Slattery insists he was unaware of the truth

Looking the Mark XLII Armor, Slattery questioned what Tony Stark had come dressed as, before Rhodes kicked down his chair and insisted that he would break Slattery's face if he dared to even move. In response, Slattery insisted that he did not believe that anybody had been hurt by his videos, as he had been lied to, as Rhodes questioned if Slattery was actually the Mandarin, while Iron Man called him embarrassing.

Trevor-Slattery-Threatened-Gun

Slattery is threatened by James Rhodes

Slattery then offered his hand to Rhodes as he introduced himself, with Rhodes slapping his hand away, while Slattery went on to admit to being shorter than he appeared on television. Slattery then offered to give up Aldrich Killian if he was going to be arrested as well. Ignoring that, Iron Man demanded to know where Pepper Potts was, with Rhodes burning Slattery's ear with his gun barrell if Slattery refused to tell them.

TSlatteryDiscussesKilliansPlanToRhodes

Slattery confessing to Aldrich Killian's plan

Slattery had denied knowing anything about Potts, but claimed to know about Killian's plan, although he insisted that he did not know what Killian and Eric Savin did with the Iron Patriot Armor, much to Rhodes' great annoyance. Slattery went on to admit that all he knew was Killian's plan would take place off the coast and involved a big boat, before Slattery became destracted again by the football match on television.

TSlatteryDrinkingAnotherBeer

Slattery is forced to give up his speedboat

While Rhodes became increasingly more annoyed, Slattery noted that Killian's plan somehow involved Vice President Rodriguez, with Slattery questioning if this was important information. While Iron Man and Rhodes then stepped away to discuss what to do next, Slattery got another beer, before Iron Man had asked about the Speedboat that Slattery had been gifted, which they then proceeded to use to escape.[1]

Exposed and Captured[]

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Slattery being arrested by the police

"It's great to see you!"
―Trevor Slattery[src]

Eventually, all of Aldrich Killian's plans for manipulating the war of terror were exposed and ruined, due to the actions of both Tony Stark and James Rhodes, who succeeded in rescuing President Matthew Ellis and defeating all of the Extremis Soldiers. With Killian also being killed during the final battle, Slattery was then found inside his mansion, and had been subsequently arrested for his part as the spokesman for Killian's schemes.

TSlatteryBeingArrested1

Slattery attempting to speak to his "fans"

As Slattery was being drunkenly led away, a crowd of onlookers and the press who took his picture and asked for a statement, due to the fame he gained by portraying the "Mandarin". Believing himself to have become a famous actor for his performance, Slattery enjoyed having the attention from so many people and thanked them all for seeing him, although the police continued to drag him to the police station for questioning.[1]

Incarceration[]

Inmate at Seagate Penitentiary[]

Mandarin prison

Slattery is incarcerated at Seagate Prison

"Kiss my rings, bitch."
"You're not the Mandarin, Slattery, you're not even a real criminal."
―Trevor Slattery and White Power Dave[src]

Following his arrest Slattery was incarcerated in Seagate Penitentiary, during which time Slattery's ruse made him a well known, though highly controversial figure, with Jackson Norriss sitting down with Slattery multiple times to record a documentary.[2] In order to exploit his fame, his TV movie was also put into development, with the title Man or Mandarin: The Trevor Slattery Story.[6] The second movie, 10 Rings To Rule Them All: The Trevor Slattery Story, was also released.[7]

Thor TDW All Hail the King 1

Slattery stepping inside Seagate's cafeteria

Inside of Seagate, Slattery managed to build up a following of fans, such as Herman, who had agreed to work as Slattery's butler and protector. Stepping into the cafeteria one day, Slattery had complained about the standards, before Herman charged forward and reminded Slattery that he should wait to be escorted. As he took his food tray, Slattery questioned who they should sit with, noting that the Triads could be fun.

Herman Trevor

Slattery telling Herman to get him pudding

As Herman reminded Slattery about his interviews with Norris, Slattery noted that his mother would have been proud of him staring in his own documentary. While Herman suggested he should have accepted the 60 Minutes interview, Slattery insisted that he would never work with CBS. Looking down at his food tray, Slattery sent Herman to collect a pudding for him, and to also attempt and find some kale for him to enjoy.

TSlatteryBumpsIntoWhitePowerDave

Slattery is threatened by White Power Dave

However, as soon as he was alone, Slattery accidentally walked directly into White Power Dave, spilling all of his food over Dave's jumpsuit. As Dave confronted him, Slattery attempted to get him to chill, suggesting Dave might simply want his autograph, only for Dave to furiously push Slattery back. Dave had then suggested that he would instead give the world exactly what it wanted, and kill Slattery, until Herman returned.

Trevor Fanbase

Slattery is saved by Herman and his fans

With Herman getting backed up by Slattery's fanbase, he became more confident and stepped up to Dave, telling him to kiss his rings and calling him a bitch. In response, Dave began to back off, before he had furiously insisted that Slattery was not the actual Mandarin, and that he was not even a real criminal, only for Slattery to insist that when actors portrayed roles for as long as he had, they could become that role in real life.

Trevor impersonation

Slattery in prison performing the Mandarin

Once Dave was convinced by the Aryan Brotherhood to back off, Slattery was then asked by Fletcher Heggs if he would be willing to perform as the Mandarin. Although Slattery had initially refused, he swiftly changed his mind, turning around to put on his sunglasses. Once he was in character, Slattery turned back and spoke his lines as the "Mandarin", much to the delight of Heggs and the others, as Slattery took in the applause.[2]

Jackson Norriss' Interview[]

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Slattery warms himself up for his interview

"There's somebody who wants to meet you."
"Do I know him?"
"No, but you took his name and now he wants it back."
Jackson Norriss and Trevor Slattery[src]

Returning to his cell, Slattery met with Jackson Norriss, who would be conducting their final interview for their documentary, although Slattery chose to focus on all his vocal warm ups, noting that it was an old habit from his days on the stage. Norriss noted that Slattery likely never imagined that he would have ended up in Seagate Penitentiary during his stage days, although Slattery took this as a compliment.

TSlatteryWinking

Slattery discusses his sex life in prison

As Norriss noted that Slattery had been living comfortably in this large cell, Slattery insisted that there were things that he missed. As he listed drugs and women being the main things he missed, Slattery implied that he was enjoying relationships with men in prison, comparing it to drama school with a wink. Norriss had then attempted to get Slattery to focus, reminding him that it was their last day, which surprised Slattery.

Thor TDW All Hail the King 2

Slattery being interviewed inside his cell

While Slattery was given his drink from Herman, Norriss noted that they had already covered a lot of the logistics that had led up to his arrest, including how he was recruited by Aldrich Killian and how they came up with their concept for the Mandarin, which Slattery insisted on noting that he had bought to life, much to Norriss' frustration. Norriss had then asked Slattery how he had not known what was actually going on.

TSlattery-ThreeWordsLovelyDrugs

Slattery says Aldrich Killian gave him drugs

To answer that question, Slattery said it came down to three words, only to say two words, which were the lovely drugs that he was being supplied with. Norriss told Slattery that he wanted to know more about the actual Trevor Slattery, outside of all the gossip and exposes, but learning about him personally. Instead of answering, Slattery insisted that actors should maintain a shred of mystery, to not colour the audience expectations.

TSlatteryEmotionallyLookingAtPicture

Slattery looking at a picture of his mother

Slattery then saw Norriss take out a picture which he had presented, as he explained that it had been found in a vault of the Liverpool Echo. As Slattery took the picture, he saw that it showed him as a boy with his mother outside of the Royal Court Theatre, much to his delight. Slattery recalled the picture had been taken in 1964, after he was cast in William Shakespeare's The Tempest, noting that he claimed he had the lead.

TSlatteryDoingRussianAccent

Slattery discusses filming the Caged Heat

As Norriss questioned if he and his mother were close, Slattery insisted that she meant everything to him, only for Norriss to note that she died in 1986, and Slattery was not with her. Slattery defended this, insisted that he had still been in the United States of America for his big break, with Norriss then noting that this would be Caged Heat's pilot for the CBS, as Slattery became excited, putting on a Russian accent to explain this.

TSlatteryDiscussingCagedHeat

Slattery discusses the Caged Heat failure

Much to Slattery's delight, Norriss revealed that he had tracked down the Caged Heat pilot, as he played the few scenes, with Slattery noting how handsome he had been at the time. Changing the subject, Slattery then claimed that Sean Connery had once attempted to seduce him, claiming that Connery had called him "Trev" and had complimented him, although Norriss ignored this and just asked about the monkey drinking vodka.

TSlatteryDefendingHisActions

Slattery continues to defend all his actions

With Slattery claiming that this failed pilot had broken him, Norriss called him up on this comment, noting that Slattery seemed to look back on his life as a series of missed opportunities, but did not take responsibly for them. In response, Slattery claimed that his responsibilities were to his muse, insisting that he was just an actor. Norriss noted that Slattery's portrayal of the Mandarin could have angered dangerous people.

TSlatteryLearningAboutTheTenRingsAndMandarin

Slattery learns that the Mandarin is real

While Slattery assumed Norriss was talking about the internet message boards, Norriss corrected him by insisting that he was talking about the Ten Rings, as he pulled up paperwork from Interpol. As Slattery looked on with confusion, Norriss showed him images of the Ten Rings symbols, which featured the ten mythical rings, as well as images of Raza Hamidmi al-Wazar, and he explained that the Ten Rings were associated with the Mandarin.

TSlatteryAdmittingToNotDoingResearch

Slattery admits he did not research the role

Surprised by this, Slattery questioned if the Ten Rings were actually real, to which Norriss insisted that their existence was well documented, with Slattery turning to Herman and expressing his excitement. Confused by his surprise, Norriss reminded Slattery of his claims that he researched the role of the Mandarin in detail, to which Slattery had claimed that an actor's research was googling themselves while self pleasuring.

Trevor brand

Slattery comparing himself to the Mandarin

As Norriss got to his feet, he questioned if Slattery knew the history of the Mandarin, explaining that the Mandarin was a warrior king who had inspired generations of men through the Middle Ages. However, Slattery dismissed the discussion about the Mandarin, insisting that it was all for a show and that he had put on a good one, insisting that people would remember Trevor Slattery's name, and not the Mandarin.

TSlatteryNotNoticingGun

Slattery is threatened by Jackson Norriss

Slattery then failed to notice that Norriss had activated a device on the camera, which assembled a small firearm. Norriss then told Slattery that he would soon suffer horribly for his crimes against the Mandarin, and he would have a hole in his body for every ring of the Ten Rings' faith. While Slattery questioned what he meant, Norriss then grabbed the gun as he proceeded to gun down the two guards who were inside the room.

TSlatteryHidingUnderTable

Slattery hiding from Jackson Norriss' attack

With Slattery hiding under the table, he watched Herman tackle Norriss, as he whispered encouragement to his butler. While Herman was being beaten with a baton, taken from the camera tripod, and wrestled to the ground, Slattery noticed a gun on the ground, which had been dropped by one of the dead guards. While Herman was eventually stabbed and killed by Norriss, Slattery took the gun and aimed it at Norriss.

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Slattery discovers who Jackson Norriss is

Unafraid, Norriss insisted that Slattery did not have what it takes to pull the trigger, to which Slattery insisted that, as an out of work actor, there was not much that he was incapable of. However, while Slattery bragged that his work on Caged Heat made him pretty good with a handgun, he made the error of stepping closer to Norriss, and placing the gun to the back of his head. In response, Norriss spun around and took the gun.

Tatoo

Slattery begs Jackson Norriss not to kill him

With the gun now aimed at his head, Slattery questioned why people kept pointing guns at his head, as he had insisted that he did not want to die. However, Norriss instead used his Walkie-Talkie Wristwatch to inform the Ten Rings that he had taken Slattery hostage and ordered their extract teams to join him, before telling Slattery that his task was not to kill him, but to break him out of prison, which Slattery claimed was nice.

Trevor unknowing

Slattery being kidnapped by the Ten Rings

As Slattery then overheard helicopters arriving, and gunfire breaking out, Norriss had explained that there was somebody who wanted to meet him. Confused, Slattery questioned if he knew this person, to which Norriss claimed that he did not, but that Slattery had taken his name, and now he wanted this back. Failing to see that Norriss meant the Mandarin, Slattery shrugged and claimed to not understand, before he was broken out.[2]

Prisoner of the Ten Rings[]

"Just as his men were tying me up for my execution, I launched into a performance of my Macbeth: 'Whence is that knocking? Wake Duncan with thy knocking. I would thou couldst.' And they couldn't get enough of it. I've been doing weekly gigs for the lads ever since."
―Trevor Slattery to Shang-Chi[src]

After being delivered to Xu Wenwu, Slattery escaped execution by performing William Shakespeare right as they were preparing to execute him. His acting skills impressed the Ten Rings, who kept him around for regular performances. Slattery had a positive outlook on his imprisonment, claiming that it allowed him to rediscover his passion for acting, and that it rendered him sober from his previous drug addictions.

While in his captivity at the Ten Rings Headquarters, Slattery met and befriended a Dijiang named Morris who had been captured by the Ten Rings during one of their expeditions of searching for Ta Lo. However, Slattery was worried that he had been hallucinating Morris due to his long imprisonment.[3]

Liberation[]

Discovered by Shang-Chi[]

Trevor Slattery (2024)

Slattery meets Shang-Chi and Katy Chen

"I wasn't playing a character at all, but what I now recognize to be a rather unflattering portrait of your father. We all got our just deserts."
―Trevor Slattery to Shang-Chi[src]

In 2024, while doing vocal warmups before rehearsing a role, Slattery was visited by Shang-Chi and Katy Chen, who had been imprisoned by Shang-Chi's father. Slattery explained to them who he was, and how he had come to be imprisoned inside of the Ten Rings Headquarters.

Trevor and Morris 4K still

Slattery introduces Morris

When Morris walked into the room, Shang-Chi and Chen became startled, causing Slattery to be overjoyed once he realized that other people could see Morris. When Chen asked about his lack of a face, Slattery pointed out that Morris was sensitive about not having a face. Slattery explained that Morris came from an alternate dimension called Ta Lo, and that he would guide them safely there. They were then broken out of the cell by Shang-Chi's sister, Xu Xialing, and found an escape route that led to the garage.[3]

Escape from the Ten Rings[]

Getting into the garage, Slattery found Razor Fist's car, and sat in the front seat, telling Shang-Chi that he got carsick in the back. Chen then drove them out of the garage, as the Ten Rings agents attacked them in an attempt to put them back in custody, causing Shang-Chi and Xu Xialing to fight them off.[3]

Visiting Ta Lo[]

Trevor Katy Shang-Chi Xialing

Slattery travels to Ta Lo

Once they reached the moving forest maze that protected Ta Lo, Slattery acted as an interpreter to Morris' instructions on how to traverse the maze to enter the hidden city. They succeeded and traversed the waterfall that separated Ta Lo from Earth, they then went to the village to warn the villagers.[3]

Battle of Ta Lo[]

BTaLoMorrisSlattery

Slattery and Morris attempting to survive

"Calm down, mate. I'm not dead, it's just a performance. Now get down here and play along."
―Trevor Slattery to Morris[src]

As Shang-Chi and his allies were welcomed into Ta Lo and preparing for the upcoming battle, Slattery played with the kids. When Ta Lo was invaded by the Ten Rings, Slattery laid low and tried to avoid fighting, but when Xu Wenwu unwittingly unleashed the Dweller-in-Darkness. In order to prevent Soul Eaters from taking his soul, Slattery laid low and played dead, and instructed Morris to do the same.

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Slattery stays behind in Ta Lo with Morris

In the aftermath of the battle, Slattery participated in the ceremony to mourn the casualties shooting out lanterns in the sky, Slattery later decided to stay in Ta Lo to be with Morris.[3]

Personality[]

"Trevor, you told me that when you got this role that you'd researched it thoroughly."
"Yeah, but when an actor tells you he's 'done the research' it means he's switched on his computer, googled his own name and had a quick wank."
Jackson Norriss and Trevor Slattery[src]

Trevor Slattery is friendly, easy-going, and wishes to avoid confrontation. He considers himself a very talented actor and loves the approval of his audience. At times, he seems cowardly, but self-preservation can bring out his bravery. The Mandarin persona he created was devoted to studying the works of Sun Tzu and insurgency tactics. He surrounds himself with dragons and symbols of warlords and Chinese iconography because he wants to represent the prototypical terrorist who is out there doing fieldwork, supervising atrocities for the intelligence community who went nuts in the field. Slattery enjoys being the center of attention but views himself as innocent in the A.I.M. scheme.

Abilities[]

"Friends, I am but a transitory vessel for the infinite wisdom of a creature far more advanced than we’ll ever truly understand."
―Trevor Slattery to Shang-Chi, Xu Xialing and Katy Chen[src]
  • Bilingualism: Slattery is fluent in his native English, and can understand Dijiang language, which allowed him to serve as Morris' translator while the latter guided his party to Ta Lo. He could also change accents which allowed him to become a successful actor.

Equipment[]

Weapons[]

"I'm an out of work actor, love, you've no idea what I'm capable of. And thanks to the CBS network, I'm pretty good with a handgun."
―Trevor Slattery to Jackson Norriss[src]
  • Makarov PM: In the 1980s, Slattery was taught how to handle a handgun, and was issued a Makarov PM for filming a TV pilot, Caged Heat, where his character was a Russian cop carrying the Makarov as his service weapon.
  • Heckler & Koch P7M13:
    Mandarin-avengers-tattoo-575

    Slattery preparing to "use" his handgun

    During one of his broadcasts as the "Mandarin", Slattery used this handgun to seemingly execute Thomas Richards on live-television.
  • Beretta 92FS: Slattery managed to retrieve one of the guns that a deceased guard carried when Jackson Norriss infiltrated into the prison to kidnap him. Slattery used the gun to threaten him, only for Norriss to easily disarm him and kidnap Slattery at gunpoint.
  • AKMSU: During one his broadcasts as the "Mandarin", Slattery shot with one of these weapons against a photograph of President Matthew Ellis, noting how he managed to shoot in the middle of the forehead.

Vehicles[]

Facilities[]

"They gave me things, they gave me this palace."
―Trevor Slattery to Tony Stark[src]
  • Aldrich Killian's Mansion:
    TSlatteryFilmingMandarinScene2

    Slattery filming scenes as the "Mandarin"

    Having been recruited by A.I.M. to impersonate the Mandarin, Slattery was allowed to reside in this mansion located in Miami, Florida, which had belonged to his employer, Aldrich Killian. Slattery would be taken onto the set, where he would film scenes as the Mandarin, threatening President Matthew Ellis and performing mock executions, all while remaining in character. Once these scenes were complete, Slattery would enjoy the luxuries the mansion offered, including alcohol, drugs and women. Eventually, Slattery was discovered in the mansion by Tony Stark and James Rhodes, at which point he confessed that Killian had hired him to act like the Mandarin, and was soon arrested for his part in Killian's terrorist actions.

Prisons[]

"I served time in federal prison, which turned out to be the best thing for me. I got clean, I rediscovered my passion."
―Trevor Slattery to Shang-Chi[src]
  • Seagate Penitentiary: Following Aldrich Killian's death, Slattery was arrested and incarcerated in Seagate Penitentiary. Slattery managed to make a name for himself in Seagate Penitentiary due to his fame as the "Mandarin", finding a loyal group of followers as well as enemies. Slattery was then broken out of Seagate Penitentiary by his interviewer Jackson Norriss, who is in fact an undercover Ten Rings agent who has been ordered to bring Slattery to the real Mandarin.
  • Ten Rings Headquarters: Slattery was taken to the Ten Rings Headquarters following his capture by Jackon Norriss, where Xu Wenwu intended to execute him for impersonating and twisting his image. Just before Wenwu could complete the execution, Slattery started to recite lines from Macbeth. Slattery's acting skills impressed the Ten Rings so much that they decided to spare him and allowed him to live in the compound for weekly performances. Slattery eventually met and befriended Morris who had been captured by the Ten Rings as well before they escaped to Ta Lo alongside Shang-Chi, Katy Chen, and Xu Xialing.

Relationships[]

Family[]

Allies[]

Enemies[]

Appearances[]

In chronological order:

Trivia[]

Mandarin prison 2

Slattery's tattoo on the back of his neck

Behind the Scenes[]

References[]

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki has a collection of images and media related to Trevor Slattery.
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki has a collection of quotes related to Trevor Slattery.

External Links[]

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