The Marvel Cinematic Universe is slowly adding mutants to its roster of superheroes. Professor X appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Ms. Marvel surprised audiences when it was revealed that she is a mutant during the season finale.
Now, the MCU welcomes another mutant into the family in Namor the Sub-Mariner.
Tenoch Huerta, who plays Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, reveals that his character is a mutant similar to the comic book. Marvel Comics refers to Namor as the first mutant character in its comic books. Many fans also regard him as the first comic book anti-hero.
In an interview with Empire, Huerta confirms that, despite the many changes to his character, Namor is a mutant.
In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Namor is not an Atlantean King but rather the ruler of the Aztec Kingdom of Talocan. According to Huerta, the plot of the movie revolves around T’Challa’s decision to open Wakanda to the world places Talocan in danger.
Huerta reveals that the conflict between Talocan and Wakanda is because his kingdom "has to take action to protect themselves." We do not know yet how Wakanda’s decision to open itself to outsiders leads to a war with the Talocan people.
The whole conflict is also reminiscent of the struggle between Wakanda and Atlantis in the comic books. During the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline, a Phoenix Force-powered Namor destroys much of the kingdom of Wakanda using a tidal wave. The kingdom was being used as a hiding place by the Avengers during the attack.
During the same interview, director Ryan Coogler, also remarks about drawing inspiration from the comic book battles of T’Challa and Namor. "The contrast between T’Challa and Namor – their characters, and their nations – just leaps off the page," says Coogler. He also adds that Namor is the "dream antagonist. "
Well, Namor won’t be facing off against T’Challa in the MCU. He will instead be pitted against Shuri, who is rumored to be taking on the Black Panther mantle after her brother’s death. Supporting Black Panther are Okoye who heads Wakanda’s elite army, Jabari’s leader M’Baku, and Riri Williams also known as Iron Heart.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige also revealed that the first Black Panther movie almost had a teaser for Namor. Feige reveals that director Ryan Coogler pitched to have a post-credit scene for the anti-hero. "The camera would push through the palace in Wakanda, and then we'd see wet footprints leading up to the throne," says Feige.
The first post-credit scene for Black Panther is where King T’Challa opens Wakanda to the world setting up the conflict with Namor. The second scene is of Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, waking up in Wakanda and conversing with Shuri.
Namor being a mutant will be a big deal for the MCU. It means that Marvel is slowly gearing up to introduce more mutants to the universe. We know that Deadpool will be added at some point, hopefully bringing with him the X-Men.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be showing exclusively in theaters on November 11, 2022.
