Rumor: Namor’s Origin To Be Radically Altered In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

John F. Trent |

May 25, 2022

A new rumor claims that the upcoming Black Panther sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, will feature a radically altered origin story for Namor.

If you are unfamiliar with Namor’s origin it was documented in his first appearance all the way back in 1939 in Marvel Comics #1.

Namor is the son of Commander Leonard McKenzie, the captain of an American expedition ship named the Oracle, and the Altantean princess Fen, who was sent to spy on the Americans, but eventually fell in love and married McKenzie.

The Americans would eventually use explosives as part of their scientific experiments that killed many of the Atlanteans. However, under the leadership of Fen, they would rebuild with Namor as their leader, bred for a life of vengeance against the surface men of the world.

Namor’s origin would be fleshed out further in The Saga of the Sub-Mariner #1 that shows Namor being born to Fen in the city of Atlantis with Fen declaring, “Then I shale make him more Atlantean than if he were blue as sky and sea combined! His very name will be a beacon to show him what the realm will expect one day expect of him.”

The source material makes it abundantly clear that Namor is from Atlantis. However, a new rumor claims that won’t be the case for the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of Namor.

Brazilian website Chippu claims that Namor will not originate in Atlantis. Rather he will come from a separate underwater region in Central America. Specifically, they claim that he “will come from a historic and submerged city of Mexican culture.”

Chippu claims the change is being made to “the public does not confuse Namor so much with Aquaman, a character who has an almost identical origin in the comics.”

Along with this radical change in the character’s origin to make him a descendant of a submerged city of Mexican culture rather than an Atlantean, the Brazilian site also revealed some significant plot details about the film.

They noted that Namor will seek the help of Wakanda in order to keep his people hidden from humanity after Riri Williams discovers them with a new piece of technology.

However, it doesn’t appear that seeking aid from Wakanda will work out as the website claims Namor’s people and Wakanda will engage in a major battle with each other.

On top of this, they also claim that a new Wakandan tribe will be introduced along with the possibility of a Wakandan navy.

They do claim that Namor’s outfit will be inspired by the character’s traditional outfit. The site notes it “will be inspired by the traditional look and will focus on simple shorts and few embellishments as in the more modern versions.”

Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler announced the Black Panther sequel back at the D23 Expo in 2019.

Feige would provide further details about the film during the company’s presentation as part of Disney Investor Day 2020.

He said, “I want to acknowledge the devastating loss of a dear friend and member of the Marvel Studios family. Chadwick Boseman was an immensely talented actor and an inspirational individual who affected all of our lives professionally and personally.”

“His portrayal of T’Challa, the Black Panther, is iconic and transcends any iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel’s past. And it’s for that reason that we will not recast the character,” Feige continued.

“However, to honor the legacy that Chad helped us build through his portrayal of the king of Wakanda. We want to continue to explore the world of Wakanda and all of the rich and varied characters introduced in the first film,” he stated.

The film was initially announced to have a release date of July 8, 2022. However, that date was pushed back and it is now slated to have a November 11, 2022 release date.

What do you make of this new rumor regarding Namor and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?

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