Does Namor's Talokan Exist In Marvel Comics?

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is introducing Talokan, Namor's kingdom, into the MCU, but Talokan does not come from the comics. In the Marvel Universe, Namor is the ruler of Atlantis. The MCU's Namor (played by Tenoch Huerta) governs Talokan, a civilization inspired by Aztec mythology. The MCU is known for reinventing pivotal lore elements from the comics to fit its world. Some prominent examples include T'Challa and Killmonger being cousins in Black Panther, Thanos not being motivated by Death in Avengers: Infinity War, and Natasha and Yelena being sisters in Black Widow. Now, the franchise has reinterpreted Atlantis as a civilization based on Mexican culture.

The concept of water-based civilizations has been explored multiple times in media. Yet, by taking inspiration from Aztec mythology, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be able to establish a new perspective on the concept of underwater worlds. Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore explained during an interview (via Gizmodo) that, after Wakanda Forever, Talokan and Namor will continue to have a presence in the MCU. With that, Namor's kingdom could be as influential to the superhero franchise as Wakanda has been. Thus, though the change to the antihero's backstory is significant, its reinterpretation will give it the opportunity to stand out not only in the MCU, but also in pop culture as a whole. But how did Talokan come to fruition?

The Inspiration Behind The MCU's Talokan

Tenoch Huerta as Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

As mentioned, Talokan is based on Mexican mythology. Specifically, it's inspired by Tlālōcān, a city ruled by the rain god Tlāloc. In Aztec culture, the city was an afterlife destination for those who died by drowning or lightning. Speaking to Empire, Tenoch Huerta explained that the change to Namor's origin allowed for Atlantis to be represented through the lens of a real-world mythology. Crafting Talokan from that concept could make the nation feel more alive, and, in a way, more relatable for those familiar with the culture it's based on. Its inspiration also allows for a fascinatingly complex confrontation between Talokan and Wakanda.

As Huerta further told Empire, Wakanda revealing itself to the world at the end of 2018's Black Panther put Talokan in a dangerous position, which ultimately puts Namor in conflict with the nation. Being understandably defensive of his culture presents an interesting clash of ideologies between Huerta's antihero and Wakanda. For a long time, Wakanda fiercely protected its borders until T'Challa decided to open the nation's technology to the world. Now, Shuri (who's presumably the new Black Panther), Ramonda, and the rest of the nation find themselves at odds with a civilization that seemingly operates in the same way they used to do, but through seemingly much more violent means.

Why The MCU Changed Namor's Homeworld From Atlantis To Talokan

The decision to reinterpret Atlantis as Talokan was a layered one. Speaking to Screen Rant, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever director Ryan Coogler explained that the change was done in an effort to present a different perspective on a city that has traditionally been adapted through a very specific cultural lens. The director further said that he wanted Wakanda Forever to offer a new take on an underwater civilization that could become as recognizable and unique as all the others that have come before it:

"I dug 'Aquaman' and really loved Disney's 'Atlantis' that came out when we were younger. And I wanted to make something that could stand in a cinematic pantheon beside those films and be different, but still truthful. We were after something that felt truthful, and real, and we can take a deep cultural dive [with]. That felt like it was on theme, felt like they belonged in a world with Wakanda that was believable, but also felt like myth; felt like people could see themselves in it."

Whether intended or not, the change was also a practical way for Marvel Studios to differentiate itself from the DCU. Turning Atlantis into Talokan minimized the risk of Namor feeling too similar to Aquaman. Much like Arthur Curry, Namor rules over Atlantis in the comics. Both characters having water-based powers and protecting the same nation would have likely prompted comparisons between the two. Now that he's the ruler of a conceptually different civilization, Namor has the opportunity to stand on his own, without being overshadowed by another prominent comic book hero. The choice to reinvent Atlantis in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was a bold one, but one that was done with a lot of thought behind it, and that will likely allow the MCU to deliver another fascinating interpretation of a classic Marvel character.

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