One of Marvel Comics’ oldest characters is making his MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Namor, the Sub-Mariner first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1939 and has remained present as a hero, anti-hero and even outright villain over the years. From the footage seen over the course of two trailers, Namor certainly looks like the antagonist of the Black Panther sequel and while his origins have been greatly changed from the comics, director Ryan Coogler made sure that some of his trademark features remained.
In an interview with EW, Coogler explained that while developing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, he wanted to “lean into” the character’s comic book origins even while creating a new take on Namor. Now the emperor of the hidden kingdom of Talocon-as opposed to Atlantis-the MCU’s Namor is steeped in new mythology while staying true to his iconic look from the comics.
I think with making these types of movies, you’ve got to lean into the weird stuff, or you risk missing what makes it fun. He’s got really unique features and things that don’t necessarily go together. He can breathe underwater, obviously, but he’s got these little wings on his ankles. He’s got pointy ears and walks around in his underwear. It’s all fun, man.
Ryan Coogler
The latest trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever certainly leans into that weird stuff as it shows Namor taking to the air to attack the Queen’s location and to avoid projectiles from a Wakandan ship. Given the character’s comic book history with Wakanda and the looks of the trailer, it appears that Coogler has stayed true to the character’s nature as well, making him an incredible threat to the nation.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters November 11th.
Source: EW
