Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the highly-anticipated sequel toBlack Panther, and the final film in Marvel Studios Phase Four initiative, is set to release November 11th, 2022. Director Ryan Coogler is set to return for the film, as is most of the cast from the previous film. While most of the plot details and premise have yet to be released, the film will follow the fictional nation of Wakanda as they deal with the death of beloved King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away from colon cancer in August 2020). And while the nation is in mourning, they must stave off the invading forces ofnone other than Namor, the Sub-Mariner, and his kingdom.
One of the biggest things fans are looking forward toforBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, is finally seeing Namor brought to the big screen. One of Marvel Comic’s oldest characters, Namor first appeared all the way back in 1939, created by writer/artist Bill Everett. The ruler of the famed Atlantis (in the Marvel universe), he is best-known for being the first comic book anti-hero, regularly playing an antagonist to heroes such as the Fantastic Four. But, forWakanda Forever, Marvel Studios chose to switch up the lore of Namor a bit, making him the ruler of an underwater nation known as Talocan. But why did Marvel Studios make that change?
Related:Namor Confirmed to make MCU Debut in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
The Comparison to DC’s Aquaman
Perhaps the biggest reason for the change in Namor’s lore, is that Marvel Studios competitor, Warner Bros. and the DC Extended Universe, already debuted a very similar character of their own in Aquaman.Arthur Curry (Aquaman) is also the ruler of Atlantisin the DC Extended Universe, and already had his solo film debut all the way back in 2017. Rather than keep Namor in Atlantis, and have fans wondering if and why the MCU ripped off the DCU, studio heads chose to go in a different direction. The Talocan citizens will also be blue-skinned, like they are in the source material (with Namor having non-blue skin due to being half-human), unlike the Atlanteans in the DCEU.
It Continues the Theme of Cultural Exploration
One of the biggest praises the firstBlack Pantherreceived, was its showcase and appreciation of African culture. From costuming to the politics and more, the film was a triumph. It lookslike Marvel Studios may be continuing that themeinWakanda Forever, this time focusing on a mix of Aztec and Mayan Culture. This was first leaked by composer Ludwig Göransson (with his soundtrack inspired by a mix of Wakandan and Talocan influences). With Namor’s costume (as shown in the trailer), he’ll sport a Penacho, which is a feathered headdress, along with some cultural armor and attire. Fans also spotted some Mesoamerican pyramids in the film, presumably in Talocan, Namor’s kingdom. Based on Tlālōcān(in Aztec culture), an underworld realm ruled by the Rain God Tlaloc; it is a paradise for souls who die of water or storm-related incidents. Mesoamerican culture is one that remains unexplored in the Marvel Universe, so it will be good to see it portrayed in the sequel.
Related:Every New Major MCU Character Revealed at SDCC, Explained
Expanding and Introducing more Latin Influence
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has had its fair share of Latino/Latina/Latinx characters featured in its films, but up untilDoctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness(in which Xochitl Gomez plays the MCU’s first Latin hero as America Chavez), none had ever been leads, heroes, or villains. Now, with America Chavez being the first, the gates seem to be opening in casting more Latin leads and characters. Tenoch Huerta’s Namor will be the first Latino lead in an MCU film; and though not connected to the MCU, Bad Bunny will play the first on-screen Marvel Latino superhero as El Muerto (most-known for only appearing in two comic book issues ever). More Latin characters have also been teased for live-action appearances,most notably, Miles Morales (back inSpider-Man Homecoming), and thanks to leaked casting calls (set in a Mexican village), Hector Ayala (also known as the White Tiger) is heavily theorized to be in the film.
Though the real reason as to why such a major change to a character, especially one as historic as Namor, may not be revealed to audiences anytime soon; theories, clues, leaks, and more can help fans get to the bottom of a mystery. But, with a good change such as this one, reasons or answers may not be needed. Based on the trailer, and the previousBlack Pantherfilm, fans are going to be in for a visual feast; a true spectacle to behold.
