The plot of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been one of the most closely guarded secrets in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but rumors surrounding the involvement of the Atlantean anti-hero Namor have persisted since the film’s production began. These rumors have ignited excitement among fans who are eager to see how Marvel plans to introduce one of its oldest and most complex characters into the MCU.
In a recent development, a behind-the-scenes photo emerged, adding fuel to the speculation about Namor’s potential appearance in Wakanda Forever. The image, shared by the fan-run Twitter account Black Panther: Wakanda Forever News, shows an underwater set complete with a large water tank and surrounded by blue screens. This suggests a scene set beneath the ocean—hinting at a key element of Namor’s origin, as he is the ruler of Atlantis and possesses incredible underwater abilities.
Namor, also known as the Sub-Mariner, made his first appearance in Marvel Comics #1 back in 1939, making him one of the earliest superheroes in comic history. As the son of a mortal sea captain and an Atlantean princess, Namor is often portrayed as a complex character with a dual allegiance to both the surface world and the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. His relationships with other superheroes in the Marvel Universe, including Captain America and the Fantastic Four, have been equally complicated. Sometimes an ally, and other times a fierce adversary, Namor’s anti-hero nature makes him a captivating figure.
Adding to the intrigue, Lupita Nyong’o, who stars as Nakia in the Black Panther films, recently commented on Marvel’s initial reaction to the 2018 film’s development. In an interview, Nyong’o revealed that “Marvel was shaking in their boots a little bit,” as the groundbreaking success of the first Black Panther film took even the studio by surprise. Her statement highlights just how much pressure is on the team behind Wakanda Forever to deliver a worthy sequel, particularly after the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed T’Challa, the titular Black Panther.
Nyong’o’s reflection on Marvel’s anxiety about the original film’s development serves as a reminder of the cultural and cinematic impact of Black Panther, a film that shattered records and broke barriers. The anticipation surrounding Wakanda Forever is immense, with fans wondering how the story will continue without Boseman’s iconic portrayal of T’Challa. Introducing Namor, a character with a rich history and deep ties to the Marvel universe, could provide a fresh and compelling narrative direction.
As Wakanda Forever delves into the world of Atlantis, the potential clash between Wakanda and Atlantis could serve as an exciting new chapter in the MCU. Namor’s inclusion would not only deepen the world-building within the franchise but could also pave the way for future conflicts and alliances. The underwater setting hinted at by the behind-the-scenes photo suggests that the film might explore Namor’s origins, his kingdom, and the politics of Atlantis—elements that would add a new layer of complexity to the ongoing MCU storyline.
With Namor being one of the earliest characters in Marvel’s pantheon, his arrival in the MCU has been highly anticipated by comic book fans. His role as an anti-hero and ruler of Atlantis would bring an interesting dynamic to Wakanda Forever, possibly positioning him as a new rival to Wakanda in the wake of T’Challa’s absence. The idea of two powerful, secretive nations colliding has the potential to create a thrilling narrative with significant ramifications for the broader MCU.
As fans eagerly await more official news and trailers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the potential introduction of Namor has generated a wave of excitement. His appearance could mark a major turning point in the MCU, especially as Marvel continues to expand its universe with new characters and storylines. With the film’s release on the horizon, fans will have to wait and see just how Wakanda Forever unfolds and whether Namor will indeed make his long-awaited MCU debut.
