Black Panther 2 makes Namor’s official entry into the MCU. The character who originally was the son of a human and the princess of Atlantis has a totally different origin in the film. The character dates back to 16th-century Mesoamerica in Wakanda Forever and has been keeping his kingdom hidden and safe. However, he had to finally come to the surface after the US agencies continue to look for vibranium in the sea. The studio has also confirmed that the Talocan king has just entered the MCU, and there is certainly so much in store for him in the MCU’s future.
For the most part, Namor is portrayed as an anti-hero. He is the king of Talocan who wants to protect his people at any cost. However, as the film comes to an end, he seems more subtle about what he plans to do next as he works on a mural painting in his final scene in the film.
Spoiler Alert: The following content includes spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
What Does Namor’s Mysterious Mural Painting Mean for his Future in the MCU?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduces Tenoch Huerta as Namor, also known as Kukulkan. Kukulkan is the king of the underwater kingdom of Talocan and wants to keep his kingdom and his people safe from the surface world. Unlike comics, his origin takes place after his family and their community performs a ritual to gain strength and immunity.
In the final battle with Shuri, Namor accepts his defeat. Both nations agree on peace and helping each other in the future if required. After losing the battle to Shuri, Kukulkan is seen painting a mural in his last scene. The mural seems to be depicting the fight between him and Black Panther.
Although it could be just a way of recording the events that took place, there could be more meaning behind the scene. As Namora approaches him and asks him the reason for resorting to peace with Wakanda, Kukulkan then assures her that it needed to be done.
He tells her that Wakanda is standing alone against the world. If the outer world tries to take on the kingdom, Talocan would be the only one they can turn to for help. And that would lead Kukulkan to be in charge of the situation. The mural can also serve as a reminder of his loss at the battle.
Wakanda was also blamed for Talocan’s action in Wakanda Forever, as the world is unaware of the underwater kingdom. Kukulkan also claims that the surface world would soon wage war on Wakanda, as they desperately want vibranium. The mural can also be the depiction of the continued unseen battle between Shuri and Namor.
What Could Possibly Happen in Black Panther 3?
With his first appearance in the MCU, Tenoch Huerta has impressed everyone. With the release of the film, there have been discussions if his character would feature in a solo film. The studio has not specified anything yet, but one thing is sure this would not be his last appearance in the cinematic universe.
While there are rumors about him getting a solo film, the actor could reprise his role in potential Black Panther 3. Both Wakanda and Talocan have a similar motive to protect vibranium from the rest of the world. And they are willing to do anything to do this.
In Wakanda Forever, after Julia Louis-Drefyus’ Val confronts Everett Ross, she hints towards a possible war against Wakanda. This could set up the plot for the potential threequel in the Black Panther movie series.
This could finally bring Namor’s plan to wage a war against the outside world, into action. And following the events of Black Panther 2, Shuri and Wakanda have to turn to Namor for help, which makes everything align with his initial plan.
The studio has not officially announced Black Panther 3. But Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore has shared that there are some discussions about it.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is playing in theatres now.
Source: The Direct