Namor the Sub-Mariner could make his long-awaited MCU debut in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Marvel's aquatic anti-hero is someone that some fans are expecting to see in Black Panther 2, but Marvel could have far different plans for the character.
Created in 1939 back when Marvel was still "Timely Comics", Namor is one of Marvel's two oldest heroes. The character has a rich history as a villain, a superhero, and an anti-hero. Over the years, Namor has made his way into the ranks of the Avengers, the Defenders, and the X-Men. As someone who's been relevant in Marvel Comics for several decades, Namor is arguably the most important Marvel character who hasn't been brought to life on the big screen yet, and the hero has a vocal fanbase who want him introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
For the longest time, the biggest obstacle to Namor appearing on the big screen has been Universal Studios, who acquired the rights to Namor from Marvel during the 1990s. So for years, a Namor movie made by Marvel was an impossibility. However, it's been said that rights to Namor have since reverted back to Marvel, which would suggest that Marvel may now have a pathway open to them when it comes to finally using the character. One problem is that the situation with Namor could be the same as what kept Marvel from making a solo Hulk movie, which is licensing rights. If this is the case, Namor may only be able to appear in a different character's movie. Some believe this movie will be Black Panther 2, but his first MCU appearance may instead happen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Namor Is Rumored For Black Panther 2
Namor is heavily rumored to be the main villain of Black Panther 2. The leading theory on the plot of Black Panther 2 is that it will somehow bring Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Wakanda into conflict with Namor and the kingdom of Atlantis. The rumors about Namor are backed up by a scene in Avengers: Endgame, when Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson) asks Okoye (Danai Gurira) about underwater earthquakes. According to Okoye, Wakanda has chosen not to do anything about these earthquakes. Fans have interpreted this to be a reference to Atlantis. If so, this would imply that Wakanda already has a rather rocky relationship with Atlantis, and is looking to leave them alone.
The Avengers: Endgame writers have downplayed the possibility of a Namor connection, but many still feel that Marvel is teasing Namor not only joining the MCU, but appearing in Black Panther 2 in a significant capacity. Also, there's precedent in the comics that supports Namor being the villain. Black Panther doesn't have the rogues' gallery that other heroes have, so he has less villains available to him than other Marvel heroes like Captain America, Thor, and Spider-Man. It makes sense for Black Panther 2 to use a popular character like Namor, especially since Namor and Black Panther do have a tense history in the comics. The two have gone to war with each other in the past. Namor would certainly be a challenging adversary for T'Challa, considering that he greatly outclasses him physically.
Namor Could Appear In Doctor Strange 2
When looking at the different Marvel movies Namor could appear in, Black Panther 2 is clearly the heavy favorite. That being said, it's far from the only option available to Marvel Studios. Audiences may not have to wait until 2022 for a live-action Namor if he appears in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness instead. Scott Derrickson - who was originally attached to direct Doctor Strange 2 - mysteriously tweeted an image of Namor, but deleted it. It of course prompted rumors about the character crossing paths with the Sorcerer Supreme in Doctor Strange 2.
His chances of appearing in the movie grew stronger when Marvel Studios head Kevin Fiege confirmed plans to add a guest character to Doctor Strange 2. According to Feige, the character is someone no one will be able to guess, and it's a character that Marvel has always been interested in using. This description should eliminate several rumored characters from contention, such as Brother Voodoo, Clea, and America Chavez. America Chavez is too new of a hero to be someone Marvel has always wanted to work with, and both Brother Voodoo and Clea are supporting characters from Doctor Strange comics, so their inclusion wouldn't be a surprise at all. All of these characters could still be in the movie of course, but they don't seem to be the one Feige was referencing. Namor, on the other hand, certainly fits the bill for Doctor Strange 2's mystery character.
What Namor's Role In Doctor Strange 2 Could Be
How would a character like Namor work in the world of magic? Though Namor would be a surprising addition, that doesn't mean he wouldn't fit. Namor may not be from the supernatural side of Marvel Comics, but he's had more than his fair share of battles with interdimensional and magical threats. Many of his adventures have actually involved Strange. In fact, Strange is one of Namor's closest allies in the comics, as Namor has always held a certain degree of respect for the Sorcerer Supreme due to his resourcefulness, integrity, and intelligence. Strange and Namor are even co-founders of the Defenders. Marvel could build toward having a proper version of the Defenders in the MCU if it included Namor.
As for how he'd be utilized, one way Namor could appear is through a cameo to set up future roles. Since the title of the movie implies that various worlds and places can be explored, Strange or Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) could make a quick visit to the underwater city of Atlantis.
Alternatively, Marvel could have bigger plans for Namor. While Namor would likely work as a villain in Black Panther 2, he could act as an ally in Doctor Strange 2. There are magical elements to Atlantis that could see him get tied up in whatever problem Strange is facing, whether it be Nightmare or some other villainous character. One of Namor's biggest connections to the mystical corner of the Marvel Universe is the Serpent Crown, one of the most important artifacts in the comic books and an item linked to Atlantis' history. The Serpent Crown is an ancient relic that gives the wearer the ability to control others, but more importantly, it serves as a link to the evil god, Set, who can use it to leave his dimension to reach Earth. Both Strange and Namor have had to thwart numerous efforts to use the Serpent Crown and unleash Set. A situation similar to this one could call for a team-up in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.
