Why MCU Fans Are Convinced Namor Is In Black Panther 2

Since the beginning, MCU fans have been convinced of Namor’s inclusion in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. While there has been some talk of Doctor Doom and a few other Marvel Comics characters, none have received the attention that Namor has in regards to the mystery surrounding Black Panther 2’s villain. Throughout the wait for the upcoming Phase 4 movie, the Avenging Son has been the favorite for this role.

Set photos that confirm Black Panther 2 will feature underwater scenes are reinforcing the long-held theories that one of Marvel’s oldest superheroes is joining the MCU in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Though there has been a casting report that points to Tenoch Huerta playing the character, no official details about Black Panther 2’s story have built evidence for Namor. However, that hasn’t stopped him from being one of the movie’s biggest talking points. The live-action debut of Marvel’s aquatic anti-hero has driven much of the discussions about the story and what the people of Wakanda will be up against in Phase 4. And though Marvel still hasn’t confirmed his involvement, the Namor theories simply aren’t going away and are only getting stronger.

MCU fans making the character the favorite for Black Panther 2’s villain can be attributed to a number of reasons, not the least of which being the lack of good candidates for the role. In contrast to heroes like Spider-Man, Black Panther just doesn’t have an impressive rogues’ gallery. In fact, the only notable Black Panther villains from the comics have already been used. Man-Ape, Killmonger, and Klaw all appeared in Black Panther. Without them as options, there weren’t really any villains who could lead the conversations about the sequel’s antagonist.

Namor isn’t a true Black Panther villain, but he does have a long and storied rivalry with T’Challa that would easily justify his presence. Plus, Namor the Sub-Mariner has some degree of name recognition, whereas the same can’t be said for characters such as King Cadaver, Achebe, and the original White Wolf. Obviously, he’s a much more appealing alternative to them. Not only that, but Namor is one of the biggest Marvel characters who hasn’t appeared in the MCU. A Black Panther movie has always felt like a perfect opportunity for the Sub-Mariner to finally join the fold.

Various bits of news and a few reveals have corroborated the long-running theories. Avengers: Endgame’s ominous tease about underwater earthquakes certainly came across as a vague Atlantis reference. The report about Huerta joining the cast as Namor only intensified speculation. Then there’s the matter of all the unverified Namor rumors that keep dropping as time passes. So unless Marvel announces a different villain for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever or releases a trailer that doesn’t include Atlantis, the Sub-Mariner is likely to remain the favorite for months to come. At this point, Marvel not using Namor would be a huge shock.

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