Since his epic battle with Shuri in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, we haven’t seen Namor on screen. However, a new rumor suggests that Marvel Studios will have a solo project for King of Atlantis on the way.
Marvel Studios has been unable to introduce Namor into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for several years due to complicated rights issues. Fortunately, the underwater anti-hero made his debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, in Tenoch Huerta. Namor starts off as Shuri’s enemy, but eventually forms a tight alliance with Wakanda’s new guardian by the end of the film.
A protagonist in trouble
Last year, Huerta was accused of sexual assault by saxophonist Maria Elena Rios, who accused him of being a “sexual predator” in a series of tweets. The news quickly spread online and Huerta denied the allegations in a statement (via Variety), calling them “false and completely baseless.”
“About a year ago, I met Elena for several months,” Huerta said. As many others will attest, this was a complete compromise. And all that time it was a loving, warm and mutually supportive relationship. But, after it ended, Elena began to distort our relationship both privately and in front of our mutual friends.
Indefinite retirement
“As a result, a few months ago I hired a legal team to take appropriate action to protect my reputation and refute these irresponsible and false allegations that could cause great harm and damage,” he continued. “Although I am not perfect, I know these allegations are false. And while I’m always working to improve, I have to respond to both false and offensive claims.
Huerta pulled out of his next project, the Netflix film Party at the Burrow, “resuming the process of rebranding” shortly after, and we haven’t heard much from him since.
A new beginning for the character
Now, Daniel Richman reports that a Namor solo project (no word yet on whether it will be a movie or a Disney+ series) is in development at Marvel. No mention of Huerta, but is there any chance he could be replaced in his role following these allegations?
Jonathan Majors was fired, as was Kang, after being accused of assault, but as far as we know, Huerta has never been formally charged.
Either way, if this is true, the project is probably in the early stages of development, but we’ll be sure to update it as we learn more.
In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Leticia Wright), Mabaku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba) fight to protect their nation from the world. After the death of King Tichala, the forces intervened. As the Wakandans struggle to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must forge a new path for the Kingdom of Wakanda with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman). Huerta stars as Namor, the king of a hidden underwater nation, and the film stars Dominic Thorne, Michaela Coyle, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livnali.
An uncertain future for the character
With recent controversies, the character’s future in the MCU seems uncertain. Fans are curious to see how this will play out and if Huerta will reprise the role. Marvel has a history of handling these situations carefully, putting the integrity of its characters and the satisfaction of its fans first.
It may be a long wait for more details on Namor’s solo project, but we’ll certainly keep everyone posted on any developments. Meanwhile, the fan community continues to speculate and hope that Namor will continue to be an integral part of the MCU.
Although rumors of a solo project for King of Atlantis have excited many, controversies surrounding Tenoch Huerta add to the uncertainty. Marvel Studios has to make careful decisions that can have a huge impact on a character’s future. MCU fans are eagerly awaiting the confirmation of these rumors and Namor’s return to the screen, paying close attention to every development.