The casting report pertaining to Namor appearing in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever may hint at the movie’s real villain, which may not actually be the Sub-Mariner at all. All along, it’s been assumed that the Marvel Comics anti-hero will be the main antagonist in the Black Panther sequel, but new information that has come to light pertains to someone else becoming the villain instead; Attuma.

Namor is arguably the most important character in Marvel’s library of heroes who has never appeared in a live-action film or show. For years, fans have waited for that to change. Hope for Namor’s long-awaited MCU debut arrived when Avengers: Endgame dropped a cryptic line about underwater earthquakes. Taken as a Namor tease, the remark fueled speculation that the conflict between Wakanda and Atlantis in the comic books would be translated to the MCU in Black Panther 2, with Namor emerging as the next big threat to the main characters. These rumors have persisted for quite some time, with a report from The llluminerdi backing them up by claiming that Narcos: Mexico star Tenoch Huerta will be playing Namor.

Related: Every Upcoming Black Panther Movie & Show

The Namor casting is obviously the highlight of the report, but one detail that’s been overlooked by many is the mention of two other characters from his corner of the Marvel Universe: Namora and Attuma. Both are stated to have a presence. If that’s true, there’s a good chance that Attuma, who has a history as an opponent of both Namor and the Avengers, is actually the movie’s real antagonist. Though it’s been said that Namor may be utilized as a villain, this wouldn’t be the first time that Marvel has played a misdirect with its villains (i.e. Iron Man 3, Captain Marvel, and Ant-Man and the Wasp). Black Panther: Wakanda Forever could pull something similar with Namor and Attuma.

Attuma Namor Marvel Comics

Attuma being the true threat makes a lot of sense when looking at his history. In the comics, Attuma is Namor’s greatest enemy and the ambitious leader of a barbarian tribe that has warred with the Atlanteans in the past. He’s often had his sights on Namor’s throne, but his schemes are usually thwarted. It’s possible that in the MCU version of the story, Attuma does seize control of Atlantis, and that Namor will be on a crusade to get it back from him. Another scenario is that Attuma’s army is a third party in Black Panther 2’s Atlantis-Wakanda war. If so, he could take advantage of the two fighting each other and strike when both are weak, thus forcing Namor and the Wakandans to team up against him.

Someone other than Namor, namely Attuma, being the big bad for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever may be the direction Marvel decides to take, especially when taking into consideration Namor’s importance. If Marvel does intend to keep Namor around as an Avenger, a Defender, or a solo hero, it would be a good idea for it not to make him irredeemable. There would need to be room for a heroic turn for his character, and that won’t work if he’s portrayed as evil or if he commits unforgivable acts. That’s why the best course of action may be for Marvel to hand this role to Attuma, and give Namor a chance to fight alongside the heroes at the end of the movie.

More: How Powerful Is Namor Compared To Black Panther 2's Heroes?

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