Namor's Origin Change Is A Very Smart Decision For Black Panther 2

Changing Namor’s origin is actually a smart move for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Despite being linked to Atlantis since his introduction in the late 1930s, Marvel has apparently chosen to distance the Sub-Mariner from the mythical underwater city. Instead, it seems Marvel has decided to align the character with a completely different civilization from mythology.

Played by Tenoch Huerta, Namor is finally on his way to the MCU via the Black Panther sequel. After years of unverified rumors, it’s no longer a secret that the Avenging Son will lead his people into a war with T’Challa’s people in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The trailer for the final Phase 4 movie confirms the confrontation between Namor’s kingdom and Wakanda. Rumors aside, Marvel taking this route with the story isn’t a surprise, especially since the two civilizations are old enemies in Marvel Comics. Interestingly, though, Marvel seems to be ditching Atlantis for the MCU’s interpretation of Namor. Although his people still have the blue skin of their comic book counterparts, it’s become clear that they’re not technically Atlanteans.

Costume designs have revealed that Namor’s race is inspired by the ancient Aztecs. Not only that, but merchandise tied to the movie has confirmed that his kingdom is called Talocan – not Atlantis. In Aztec mythology, Tlālōcān is the name of a paradise occupied by Tlāloc, the god of rain. Connecting Namor’s home in Black Panther 2 to Tlālōcān is a sign that the Atlanteans are the MCU’s Aztec gods. But even if that’s not the case, it’s clear at this point that Namor isn’t from Atlantis. After all, the Aztecs are a long way from where Atlantis would be on Marvel’s map. But while this is a huge deviation from Marvel Comics history, it’s a change that makes sense when looking at what the DCEU has already built with Aquaman.

Why Changing Namor's Origins Is Good For Black Panther 2 (& The MCU)

Aquaman being made before Namor the Sub-Mariner’s MCU debut created an instant problem for Marvel. While there are numerous differences between the two characters, their very natures make comparisons unavoidable. Both are half-human, super-powered kings of underwater civilizations called Atlantis. Because of that, Marvel can never distance Namor from Aquaman completely, but it can at least do its part to lessen the similarities, and that appeared to have been the point of replacing Atlantis with Talocan.

Also, using Talocan allows Marvel to create a unique new world, rather than a place based on old, preconceived notions about Atlantis. There’s no denying that it’s a significant change to the source material, but it’s not one that has to affect who these characters are, as Marvel can still deliver faithful adaptations of Namor, Attuma, Namora, and more. And in the end, it has a chance of working out well not only for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but Namor’s corner of the MCU in general. What the movie creates can generate greater interest in the character and possibly lead to more Namor-focused projects.