Namor’s Future In The MCU
By Anthony Canton
“Only the most broken people can be great leaders.” -Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Namor, the ruler of the Talokan, made quite the introduction in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Not only as a fierce warrior but a cunning strategist. In learning about his past and how he came to be, we see the knowledge and wisdom he’s obtained for hundreds of years. When it’s all said and done, all he wants to do is protect what is his. It’s why he’s so driven to stay hidden from the surface world.
[Please note there are spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever below.]
Shuri and Namor’s back-and-forth conversation on trying to avoid RiRi Williams’ demise illustrated Namor’s unwavering ideal. “I know you wish me to spare the scientist, but now you see what I have to protect,” he said with confidence. Earlier in the film, Queen Ramonda was pressured by other nations to share vibranium with the world. The Queen, however, was already aware that the United States of America and France (among others) were trying to steal vibranium from Wakanda. Talokan goes through the same issue as the USA attempts to retrieve it as well. Let’s just say they were harsher with their denial.
Eventually, Shuri and Namor have a brutal battle that leads to a compromise between Wakanda and the Talokan. Granted, Namor’s opinion of the surface world has not changed at all. He was just in a compromised position as far as his life was concerned. At death’s door, he yielded, knowing that the protection of his people is first and foremost. Make no mistake, this alliance between the two nations is uneasy at best. Namor will capitulate for the time being, but there will be other avenues.
Now, as to where or who we will see Namor with next? That is currently up in the air due to the rights surrounding the character in live-action. However, here are some of my personal potential options:
Doctor Doom
We haven’t seen Victor Von Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet, but he’s bound to show up sooner or later. As one of the truly most powerful people in the Marvel universe, you can see the roadmap to an alliance with Namor. Behind closed doors, of course, who manipulates who in this will be fascinating. Doom can campaign to protect his land and conquer more lands while protecting the sea. All of this, right under Wakanda’s nose. Namor won’t be easily manipulated, though, and a fruitful partnership can be formed. The only question is, who will pay for this alliance? The heroes of the earth should beware of the potential power this duo could unleash.
The Fantastic Four
You can’t discuss Namor without his relationship with the first family of Marvel. The Fantastic Four have yet to debut in the MCU, but now that Namor is here the countdown is on to their first meet. With said meeting comes the potential of one of the biggest love triangles in comic book history. Susan Storm and Namor have quite a history together. How all of that potential romance coincides with Reed Richards should be scintillating on screen. With that being said, while there might be conflict, Namor might be willing to bend the rules a bit as far as Sue is concerned. As mentioned earlier, don’t be surprised if Dr. Doom plays a role between all of these chess pieces.
The Illuminati
We’ve already seen a version of the Illuminati in the MCU. Earth 838’s decision-making group didn’t fare too well against Wanda Maximoff, as everyone besides Mordo was taken out. What would a 616 version of that group look like? The way Namor would like to operate fits in with what a potential group could look like. We saw Captain Marvel, Wong, and Banner together at the end of Shang Chi in something that felt similar. Will that be the group? Maybe, maybe not, but Namor could look for counsel and assistance from the powerful heroes of earth and maintain anonymity.
The X-Men
We know Namor is a mutant; who better to seek out than more of his own kind? Not all of the X-men will agree with his tactics, but there will be plenty sympathetic to his cause. As the world’s respective governments become more obsessed with vibranium and their resources, you can see how fellow mutants will look at this. In fact, you could include the brotherhood of mutants in this group. An eventual conversation with someone like Magneto wouldn’t be far-fetched, as they view the surface world and humans in similar ways. I imagine a conversation with Charles Xavier might not go the same, but in all these instances, there’s always going to be a barter system. The enemy of my enemy, etc.
With all that being said, Namor is a major player in the MCU. There will be no doubt that others will see that and want to work with him. It’ll be interesting to see what the cost is to make an alliance with him last.
