Black Panther spoilers: Does Namor die in Wakanda Forever?

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever marks Namor’s first appearance in the MCU, but does the film also mark his last film in the franchise?

When it comes to iconic Marvel Comics villains, it’s not often you won’t hear the name Namor mentioned when ranking the best of the best.

Having been introduced in 1939, the character of Namor actually predates some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most beloved characters including the likes of both Iron Man and Captain America. In the comics, Namor is the son of a human man and the princess of Atlantis. He’s also considered Marvel’s first mutant superhero character — even if he wasn’t formally referred to as a mutant until decades after his debut appearance.

Not only is Namor one of the oldest Marvel Comics characters, but he’s also regarded as one of the strongest Marvel characters. His abilities include a laundry list of powers which include superhero strength, durability, reflexes, and agility; the gift of flight; underwater combat skills; telepathy; and control over the elements including water manipulation. Oh and that’s not even accounting for the character having one of the most strategic minds in the Marvel universe as well.

After waiting in the wings for years, Namor finally makes his MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as the film’s main antagonist.

Considering Black Panther ended with the film’s main antagonist dying after his final battle with the film’s protagonist, and the fact that Marvel’s tendency to kill villains, should fans be worried about Namor’s future in the MCU beyond Wakanda Forever?

Warning: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever spoilers ahead. 

Does Namor die in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?

In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation named Talokan, finally emerges from the shadows when his nation’s safety is jeopardized by the outside world. With Wakanda refusing to trade vibranium away to other nations, world leaders have become set on seeking other sources of the precious metal including the US.

With help from a young scientist, the US develop a machine designed to locate vibranium which unknowingly puts the research team in the crosshairs of Namor. After a close call, Namor sneaks into Wakanda undetected where he warns them of the global threat and his plan to thwart it — a plan which involves his nation banding with Wakanda to take on the surface world.

However, when Wakanda refuses to assist him in his quest, Namor makes good on his promise of treating them as a hostile enemy and attacks the nation’s capital in a deadly attack. This puts him on a collision course with Wakandans and their new Black Panther.

In the epic final battle between the two parties, Namor and Black Panther face off in battle which sees the Black Panther manage to get the upper hand and defeat Namor. However, rather than killing him, Black Panther spares his life and offers a ceasefire in exchange for Wakanda protecting Talokan from outside invaders, which Namor accepts.

Will Namor return in the MCU?

Although Marvel has not yet commented on their future plans for the character of Namor, it is indeed expected we’ll see Namor again in the MCU. In fact, it’s highly likely he’ll play a role in a potential third Black Panther franchise film or even in the upcoming slate of movies planned by Marvel.

After Black Panther spared his life in their final battle and came to a truce with Namor, he returned to Talokan in a sign of what some of his warriors saw as defeat. However, as he explained, the move actually was a far greater victory as having Wakanda as an ally will strengthen Talokan. And when the outside world closes in on Wakanda, Talokan will be who they’ll turn to for help — an opportunity that will help him further his original agenda of raging war against the surface world.

As is often the case, Marvel did not reveal the details of Tenoch Huerta’s deal so it’s unclear whether they signed the actor to a one-picture deal or a multi-picture deal. However, given where we left Namor as the film came to a close it seems incredibly likely the character will be back as it seems Wakanda Forever was just the beginning of his story.

Whether his next appearance comes before a potential third Black Panther film remains to be seen. Given the audience’s reception to Huerta and his character, we don’t imagine they’ll waste the character’s potential by leaving him on the sideline too long.

Are you glad Namor didn’t die in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, a move that leaves the door wide open for his return? Were you surprised the character survived the film? Drop your reactions in the comments below!