Marvel Theory: Black Panther 2 Introduces Namor (Not As A Villain)

Marvel could finally introduce Namor the Sub-Mariner to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Black Panther 2, but not as the villain. It could be that Marvel has a plan for both Atlantis and Namor in Phase 4 that doesn’t involve the iconic comic book character declaring war on Wakanda.

Created in 1939, the Savage Sub-Mariner is one of Marvel’s two oldest superheroes (the other being the original Human Torch). Namor is a key character in Marvel Comics who has headlined his own comic for years, while also sharing numerous adventures with the Avengers, the X-Men, the Defenders, and the Fantastic Four. Commonly referred to as “the first mutant,” Namor is an incredibly powerful superhero and the King of Atlantis. Over the years, the character has been a friend and a foe to the heroes of the Marvel Universe. At this point, he’s arguably the most important Marvel hero who’s never been adapted to the big screen.

For some time, a movie in the MCU featuring the character seemed impossible, considering that the rights to Namor belonged to Universal Studios, but it would seem that things have changed. It could be that the situation with Namor is now the same as the problem with the Hulk; if that’s the case, it’s possible that Namor can appear as a supporting character, but a solo Namor movie can’t be made under the Marvel/Disney banner. As of late, rumors have been circulating around Namor, with the prevailing theory that Namor will join the MCU as the main antagonist of Black Panther 2. Marvel may indeed intend to introduce Namor in Black Panther 2, but that doesn’t mean he’s the villain. Marvel could have an entirely different plan in place for the character.

Namor May Not Be King of Atlantis Yet

What many are expecting to happen if Black Panther 2 introduces Namor is that he’ll declare war on Wakanda and lead an army of Atlanteans in an attack on Black Panther’s people. This idea does have comic book precedent, since Wakanda and Atlantis have a violent and storied history in the comic books. However, this isn’t the only way Marvel could use Namor in the upcoming Marvel movie. It’s important to note that Namor wasn’t always the King of Atlantis in the comics. In the Golden Age, he was just a prince. Namor didn’t take the reins of Atlantis until years after his grandfather, King Thakor, was killed. Prince Namor was cast out and given amnesia, and after a long exile, Namor returned to rebuild his kingdom.

The MCU’s Namor could go through a similar arc, which could begin in Black Panther 2. The movie can build on the rocky relationship between Wakanda and Atlantis that was teased in Avengers: Endgame, and officially introduce Atlantis. Black Panther 2 can reveal that a different character is ruling Atlantis and that Namor is a prince or perhaps even a prisoner of war. Namor doesn’t have to be the king for Atlantis to have a war with Wakanda. Namor could be among the characters that T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) meets during the conflict with this undersea kingdom. By going in this direction, Marvel can properly depict Namor’s rise to power in the MCU by having it happen within the timeframe of the movie, instead of it occurring off-screen.

Who Black Panther Can Fight Instead Of Namor

If Marvel decides to use Atlantis but limit Namor to a supporting role, who could be Black Panther 2’s main antagonist? The Avenging Son has a rich rogues’ gallery, so a prominent Namor villain could easily fill this position, and among the best candidates for this would be Warlord Krang or Attuma. Which one Marvel chooses would of course depend on the story Marvel decides to tell for Black Panther 2, but both are recurring Marvel villains who have gone up against a long list of A-list superheroes.

Warlord Krang is a high-ranking Atlantean military official who served under Namor. Krang had a deep resentment toward Namor, as he had his sights set on the throne of Atlantis for years, and Krang often manipulated Namor and the people of Atlantis in an effort to remove the Sub-Mariner from power. His endgame is generally to seize control of Atlantis and lead them in an attack on the surface. It’s possible that the MCU’s Krang usurped either Namor or his predecessor and is now in complete control of the military.

Attuma, who is perhaps Namor’s greatest enemy in the comics, is the leader of a group of barbarians who live outside of Atlantis. They were exiled generations ago, but they have yet to give up on their dream of heading back to their ancestral home and taking control of Atlantis for themselves. Attuma’s attempts to overthrow Namor are usually thwarted, forcing Attuma to look for other ways to get what he wants. On frequent occasions, Attuma has attacked the surface with his own barbarian army, instead of simply focusing on taking Atlantis. If Black Panther 2 introduces Attuma, it could be revealed that the barbarians succeeded in conquering Atlantis and disposing of the royal family. Attuma would certainly be an interesting choice, as his relationship with Atlantis draws parallels to the MCU’s Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) and his ties to Wakanda.

What Namor's Future In The MCU Could Be

Namor standing proudly in his first comic book appearance

There’s a good reason why this could be Marvel’s plan for Namor and Black Panther 2. The arc that Marvel intends to give Namor in the MCU may not revolve around him being a villain. Based on Namor’s history in the comics, being a villain is just one of many ways that Marvel can use him. In a later film, he could be an anti-hero who ends up teaming up with an established MCU character in the interest of protecting Atlantis, or he could be a member of the next major superhero team. Whatever future he has, it’ll likely be shaped by whatever transpires in Black Panther 2. Though a redemptive story could still be possible somewhere down the road if Marvel does make Namor a villain, Marvel could prefer to avoid that route altogether in favor keeping him on the heroic path or at least saving a villainous turn for later.

Black Panther 2 could potentially end with Namor taking the throne of Atlantis, leaving a future MCU installment to pick up from there. What Namor will do next once he’s in control is a question that Marvel can answer at a later date, whether it be in Fantastic Four, Black Panther 3, or an unrevealed Marvel movie. The Avenging Son could be one of the heroes who will lead the MCU in Phase 5.

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