Slowly but surely, mutants are making their way to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After confirming Ms. Marvel’s mutant status in Marvel’s refreshing and fun Disney+ series, Ms. Marvel, Black Panther 2 actor Tenoch Huerta is adding to the MCU’s mutant population.
Speaking with Empire, Huerta, who plays Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, revealed portions of his character’s origin. According to Huerta, Namor the Sub-Mariner is inspired by the history and culture of Mesoamerica. “You can take Atlantis from Greek myth, or you can adapt from a real culture,” says Huerta. In a move that could upset some fans, Namor is not the ruler of Atlantis in the new film. Instead, he’s the overseer of Talocan, one of the underwater realms in the Aztec codices ruled by the rain god Tlāloc. Per the Marvel Cinematic Universe Fandom Wiki, Talocan is a paradise for the souls of those who died of water or a storm-related death. In the comics, Tláloc is the storm god of the Tēteoh. Still with me?
In Black Panther 2, Namor surfaces after hearing about T’challa’s plans to reveal the existence of Wakanda to the world. “That decision puts Talocan in jeopardy,” Huerta attests. “And Talocan has to take action to protect themselves.” In addition to revealing Namor’s motivations, Huerta also confirmed his character is one of the MCU’s few mutants, at least for now. Before you know it, mutants will be everywhere once Marvel irons out plans for a mutant-related phase of their cinematic brand.
Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett, Winston Duke, and Dominique Thorne, in her debut as Riri Williams (Ironheart), are taking center stage for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with Tenoch Huerta as Namor, the Sub-Mariner. Ryan Coogler returns to the franchise to direct and co-write the sequel with Joe Robert Cole, which looks as colorful, emotional, and exciting as the original. The sequel finds Wakanda pitted against intervening world powers as they mourn the loss of King T’Challa.
Are you excited about another mutant joining the MCU? Do you think Namor presents a formidable threat to Wakanda? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.