Marvel is now an ever-expanding universe. That means, the coming of new characters, which brings me to Namor. He is one of Marvel’s first characters, making his first public appearance in Marvel Comics #1 the first comic book of Timely Comics. Moreover, he is considered the first anti-hero in Marvel. Namor is the mutant son of a human father and Atlantean mother and as Atlantean royalty, eventually taking his place on the throne. So, where all in MCU can we have Namor? Well, there are some interesting areas that MCU could explore with Namor the Submariner’s introduction. Here’s a list:
Areas That MCU Could Explore With Namor
Fantastic Four
Namor is basically a short-tempered superhero who attacks the people on the surface if he believes they’re wronging his kingdom. But one can never forget his history with the Fantastic Four. A Fantastic Four movie is in development with director Jon Watts. His most intense connection began with Sue Storm. He quickly fell for Sue Storm and attempted to court her on multiple occasions. Moreover, he completely ignored her relationship with Reed Richards.
Over their long history, Namor has been an ally and an enemy of the team. He first met the family when he w3as rescued by Johnny Storm, the Human Torch when he was saved from his state of amnesia. But he quickly became an enemy of the Four after learning about the destruction of Atlantis. One possible way for the MCU to introduce the Family and Namor is to have the family already exist somewhere in the Universe. Hence, crossing their paths with Namor.
Mutants
Kevin Feige announced in 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con that the Mutants are coming and an X-Men reboot is in the works. We all love the X-Men team, don’t we? Considering their diverse history in Marvel, Namor would be a great character to incorporate mutants into the MCU, without that being the focal point of his story. That’s because he is known as “Marvel’s first mutant”. He is a half Atlantean half mutant hybrid with his most obvious mutant feature being the small wings on his ankle tied to his ability to fly.
Namor was one of the first characters introduced by Marvel’s predecessor, Timely Comics in 1939’s Marvel Comics #1. So you understand the depth this character has and what impact he could have on Marvel if he is introduced. He has mutant DNA. This means, it also seems to enhance his Atlantean physiological abilities, super strength, speed, durability, etc. as well. Now that he is coming in Black Panther 2, the mutant area may not be fully explored in my opinion.
Vampires
Mahershala Ali is coming to the MCU in Blade as the titular character. The Vampire Hunter is coming back and we are waiting for it. Basically, Namor does not have direct ties with Blade. But Blade’s prey has interesting ties to Atlantis. In Marvel Comics, Vampires originated from Atlantis before sinking into the ocean. So this is a history that can be twisted mildly.
Moreover, it’s all connected to the Darkhold that we saw in WandaVision. It’s a book written by the Elder God, Chthon. The Atlantean sorcerers used the Darkhold to resurrect their fallen enemies during a. As expected, the dark magic and influence of Chthon were too strong. So, the resurrected creatures could not be controlled and they slaughtered their creators. The vampires, including priest Varnae one of their own and the first vampire, fled Atlantis when Atlantis sank into the ocean. And that is where Blade comes in. Sounds pretty promising!
Doctor Doom
Doom is a character that we are all dying to see in the MCU! I mean, give him to us already! So on that note, Fandomwire previously reported that Doctor Doom would be making an appearance in Black Panther 2. Possibly pulling the strings of the conflict between Wakanda and Atlantis. Doom is famously Reed Richard’s nemesis. But he has had many enemies. He’s been tied not only to the Fantastic Four but Namor, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, The Avengers, and more.
Namor and Doom have been allies and enemies at different times usually depending on whether or not their goals align. So, why not Black Panther 2 considering Namor is in the same film? And of course, introducing Doom as the ruler of another secretive nation would be a great aspect that would tie in well with Namor (Atlantis), Wakanda in Black Panther 2. He could be tied to Black Panther 2 with the angle of him wanted their Vibranium whilst capitalizing on his relationship with Namor.
The Illuminati
Okay, first, let me tell you about the Illuminati. In the comics, The Illuminati is made up of Tony Stark, Doctor Strange, Namor, Reed Richards, Professor Charles Xavier, and Black Bolt. Speaking of Namor specifically, he’s been a part of many teams in Marvel, but one that stands out is The Illuminati. Moreover, last July it was revealed by The Illuminerdi that Marvel was in the early stages of developing an Illuminati project.
Speaking of that, it looks like the MCU will be introducing a number of the members in the years to come. As of now, it’s only Doctor Strange after the death of Tony in Endgame. But some of the members are well on their way. Reed Richards is coming in Fantastic Four, and Namor will be seen in Black Panther 2. Both the projects are sure-sure flick, and so are these characters. Plus, the X-Men reboot for the MCU will obviously include Professor Charles Xavier at some point.
The Invaders
The Invaders was the first team Namor was part of. It consisted of Namor the Sub-Mariner, Steve Rogers’ Captain America and his sidekick Bucky, and the original Human Torch, an android who goes by the name Jim Hammond, along with his sidekick Toro. This is where things get interesting. Namor fought against the Nazis in WWII. As a result, he was haunted by PTSD. That is why he always continues to have a soft spot for Steve Rogers even when the two are on opposite sides of a fight.
But speaking of the MCU, things would have to be altered. Now that Steve is not there, maybe Falcon or the Winter Soldier could take his place. Another interesting approach is to change the war they fight in. Instead of WWII, they were fighters in the Korean War with Isaiah Bradley taking Steve Rogers’ place. Bradley has introduced in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier as a super-soldier himself.
Coming to the Human Torch, he is an android he could easily be a hero during the Korean War as well. So two pieces can fit perfectly. Also, it would be an exciting way to not only bring Isaiah Bradley back but explore his time as a soldier and tie him to other Marvel characters like Namor. And I’m sure that fans would love it considering his moving story in the Disney+ series.
The Defenders
I have to tell you right off the bat to not confuse them with the Netflix version. Now, this version of the Defenders is a “non-team”. The three core members are Doctor Strange, the Hulk, and Namor. But it also includes Clea, Doctor Strange’s disciple, and the Silver Surfer. This is a team like no one else. There is no affection between the group whatsoever. I say this because Namor and Hulk butt into each other’s business way too often. Plus, Strange manipulated Hulk and Namor to join forces on this one!
The Defenders would be a great addition to the MCU. The distribution rights for both characters have been tied up with Universal earlier. That is the major reason why Marvel Studios hasn’t included solo films for either after The Incredible Hulk. But rumors suggest that it is no longer an issue. But even after the rights issue, Hulk is a major part of the MCU and would make for a major attraction in this team. Plus, after having seen Namor in Black Panther 2, the two characters can make The Defenders happen. One more team in the roster of MCU and we would not mind at all.
So these are all the areas that MCU could explore with Namor.
