Namor the Sub-Mariner, Riri Williams/Ironheart and a new version of the title character are coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
During Marvel Studios' Hall H panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego 2022, the studio released a trailer for Wakanda Forever. The footage provided a look at Dominique Thorne as Williams, Tenoch Huerta as Namor, blue-skinned Atlanteans and teased a new person wearing the Black Panther suit. It was not immediately clear from the footage who that might be.
Who Is Namor?
Created by Bill Everett, Namor first appeared in 1939's Motion Picture Funnies Weekly, which was technically an uncirculated book given out at movie theaters. His first appearance otherwise was in 1939's Marvel Comics #1, making him one of the oldest characters in the publisher's roster. Namor is the half-Atlantean and half-Human leader of Atlantis. As a result of his parentage, Namor is not blue like his fellow Atlanteans. However, due to also being a mutant, Namor is much stronger than other Atlanteans. Over the years, he's been a member of such key teams as the Invaders, Defenders and X-Men. Due to his fierce defense of Atlantis, Namor is often depicted as something of an anti-hero who uses his abilities to defend his nation at any cost.
Namor's appearance in Wakanda Forever has long been rumored. 2019's Avengers: Endgame featured a reference to undersea earthquakes near Wakanda, which many took to be a hint at Namor's future inclusion. While writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely said the reference wasn't necessarily intentional, Namor has indeed surfaced for Wakanda Forever. The trailer indicates the story will draw from stories between the events of Avengers vs. X-Men and Secret Wars, which saw Wakanda and Atlantis going to war after Namor attacked the nation
Who Is Ironheart?
Created by Brian Michael Bendis, Mike Deodato, Eve Ewing and Kevin Libranda, Williams first made a cameo appearance in 2016's Invincible Iron Man #7 before fully debuting two issues later. Williams is a genius inventor who creates her own Iron Man-style armor. She's been a key member of the Champions in the comics. Williams will receive her own Disney+ original series in fall 2023, with no more specific date having been announced as of this article's writing.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever arrives in theaters on Nov. 11.
Source: Marvel Studios