Tenoch Huerta is set to play the iconic Marvel anti-hero Namor the Sub-Mariner in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, marking the character’s first big-screen appearance. Marvel has changed Namor’s comic book origins from the ruler of Atlantis to that of a fictional Mayan underwater civilization. However, one key attribute of Namor has been preserved.

Namor is often considered Marvel Comics’ first mutant, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever also retains that feature. Tenoch Huerta recently confirmed the same in an interview with Empire Magazine. You can also check out a brand-new image from the film which gives the best look yet at Namor.

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Tenoch Huerta also offered up more story details and explained Namor’s intentions behind attacking Wakanda.

“You can take Atlantis from Greek myth, or you can adapt from a real culture,” says Huerta about Black Panther Wakanda Forever’s changes to Namor’s origins from the ruler of Atlantis to the ruler of Talocan, inspired by a real Aztec kingdom. As for Namor’s villainous intentions, which are often just extreme ways of protecting his people, Huerta says T’Challa’s decision to share the truth of Wakanda with the world is what drives him to invade the kingdom. “That decision puts Talocan in jeopardy. And Talocan has to take action to protect themselves.”

T’Challa agreed to share Wakanda’s rich cultural and technological advancements with the world at the end of Black Panther. But it’s possible that some unintended secrets also came to light, like the existence of an ancient kingdom of underwater dwellers, probably threatening Namor’s kingdom.

But it’s just speculation and frankly, that’s all we can do right now as the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast and crew seem to be protecting the film’s larger plot as if someone’s holding a gun to their heads. The official trailer barely even had a glimpse of the titular superhero.

It’s frustrating, for sure, but not that anyone’s complaining. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is tracking to be the biggest film of the year currently. The only things certain are that the film will honor Chadwick Boseman’s legacy while delving deeper into the world of Wakanda.

Marvel Is Setting Up The Introduction Of The X-Men

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Ms. Marvel’s incredible finale had the fans screaming in excitement over the shocking reveal that Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) carried the mutant X gene. Ms. Marvel will next appear in Nia DaCosta’s The Marvels, which is rumored to debut the X-Men.

It’s possible we see the iconic team even earlier, as Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania will launch phase five of the MCU next year, and it explores the multiverse. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which wraps up Phase Four, is also reported to feature Doctor Doom, the arch-enemy of the Fantastic Four. But even if it doesn’t, Wakanda Forever is sure to be another epic entry in the MCU regardless.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will arrive in theaters worldwide on November 11, 2022.

The official synopsis for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever reads:

“Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.”