Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is finally almost here. The sequel to 2018's hit MCU film has been highly anticipated for years, and the production itself has certainly gone through the wringer. But the movie has made it to the other side, and with it comes the introduction of a massive Marvel Comics character: Tenoch Hurta's Namor.
The anti-hero is a legendary character in comic lore and a long-time rival of Wakanda. On top of ruling Atlantis, Namor has also been a member of the mysterious Illuminati, a self-appointed group of powerful beings who watch over Earth and the universe as a whole.
Fans have been excited to see the character join the ranks of the MCU. Wakanda Forever star Winston Duke even teased how Namor's story feels "a lot more real than fiction" while adding how his part in the upcoming movie has "real cultural significance."
With the introduction of Namor, one thing is for sure: the world will waste no time comparing him to DC Comic's equivalent, aka Aquaman. So what exactly is the difference between the two figures?
Marvel's Namor vs. DC's Aquaman
In an interview with Empire Magazine, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever actor Tenoch Huerta spoke out about how his portrayal of Namor differs from the comics and what makes him unique from his DC Comics counterpart, Aquaman.
When asked if his character is a Mutant, the actor confirmed this and also noted how his Namor "is more angered," yet "sensitive:
"Yeah. The principal aspects of the character are there. But, of course. because of the script demands, I act differently, and create a Namor who is more angered. But at the same time, he’s [also] sensitive. He has this philosophy that the king is not a ruler. The king is the first servant of the people. He has to serve his people. He has to protect his people. This aspect is new for the character."
When asked if he expects to see pots of Namor and Aquaman comparisons, Tenoch noted how "their motivations are the opposite" and that the "mythology is different:"
"Namor is very different from Aquaman. Jason [Mamoa] is a fantastic actor. and he’s great at making that character. These two characters are so different. The mythology is different. The story’s totally different. Their motivations are the opposite. I mean, it’s an honour to be compared with different actors. but I think that, this time, people are going to find that we are speaking about different things."
So what are the real differences between the two characters? Well, the biggest among them is that Aquaman is a hero through and through. Namor, however, is an anti-hero. The Marvel character tends to put his people and nation first, sometimes with the cost of putting heroics in the backseat.
Out of the two, Namor is by far the more powerful one. With that said, Aquaman can control aquatic life through marine telepathy, something Namor cannot do.
A similarity between the two is that both of them are half-human and half-Atlantean. Past that, though, the circumstances in which they were born and brought into the world were far different.
Aquaman does like to wear more clothes than Namor, as, traditionally, Marvel's anti-hero is known for basically only wearing green trunks. The DC hero's trident is also generally more powerful than the one Namor uses every now and then.
While Aquaman may come out on top thanks to his trident, Namor has the ability to fly thanks to the small wings on his ankles—which, from the looks of it, the MCU has kept.
The Marvel anti-hero tends to prefer crushing people with his countless superpowers, many of which are shared by Aquaman. This includes superhuman speed, endurance, strength, and underwater breathing.
How Will Namor Compare to Aquaman on Screen?
It is strange for the actor to note how a new aspect of his Namor is how he has a strong passion "to protect [and serve] his people." Why? Well, that's a key aspect of his character in the comics and is one of his defining traits. In other words, it's not anything new in the slightest.
Maybe the actor is trying to indicate that this Namor is more sympathetic than his comic counterpart. The idea that "the king is not a ruler" may also be more strongly presented through the eyes of the MCU's take on the character.
An answer like that makes one wonder what other discrepancies might be in his answers, intended or not. For example, will the film actually confirm his mutant status, or is Huerta simply saying he is since Namor has all the same powers?
When it comes to his similarities to Aquaman, despite the two clearly being different, audiences around the world will still compare them. However, after watching Wakanda Forever, one would think that it'll be clear how the two differ.
In relevance to the superhero movies of this year, Namor is more like Black Adam than Aquaman. Both of those characters are heavily considered to be anti-heroes, and both put protecting their people and nations first. Teth-Adam just spends less time swimming.
Black Adam is now playing in theaters worldwide, while Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on Friday, November 11.
FAQs
What is the difference between Aquaman vs Namor? ›
So what are the real differences between the two characters? Well, the biggest among them is that Aquaman is a hero through and through. Namor, however, is an anti-hero. The Marvel character tends to put his people and nation first, sometimes with the cost of putting heroics in the backseat.
Who is stronger Namor or Aquaman? ›Namor Is Much More Powerful Than Aquaman
While in his element, Namor is able to trade blows with even the Hulk, putting him a good bit above even Aquaman's weight class. Not to mention Namor has the ability to fly, something which Aquaman lacks entirety.
So, Is Namor Mayan or Aztec? Namor is Mayan. His Talokanil tribe is Mayan as well. They were inhabiting the Yucatan peninsula, which is generally the center of Mayan power.
Why does Namor have wings on his ankles? ›He was transformed differently, as he was still in the womb. The Kukulkan still had human traits but also gained a wide array of other powers. He has revealed in the film himself that he's a mutant. That's why he has wings on his feet and, unlike any Talokanil, can use them to fly.
Why does Black Panther not like Namor? ›The rivalry between Namor and Black Panther in Marvel Comics is intense. The Sub-Mariner flooded Wakanda in Avengers vs X-Men and later sent Thanos and his Black Order to destroy the African nation. Because of that, T'Challa wanted the Sub-Mariner dead.
Who is stronger Thor or Namor? ›"He's incredibly strong, he's as strong as Thor, and if he's around enough water he can be as strong as the Hulk.” Coogler, who's been interested in putting Namor in the MCU since the making of Black Panther, sees the Talokan ruler as more than just a physical threat, though.
Can Namor beat Hulk? ›The Jade Giant usually pummels through just about anybody, but Namor has been a thorn in his behind for about six decades. In fact, the Sub-Mariner has defeated the Hulk in battle at least three times.
Can Namor beat Thanos? ›Thanos wins in a battle against Namor. Thanos' powers are more versatile than those of Namor. He is likewise stronger and faster (at least on land). Namor has quite the advantage in aquatic combat, which he would win.
What is Namor weakness? ›Weakness: Water Deficiency
When he is short on water, Namor's strength, stamina, and durability are significantly affected, which makes him considerably weaker and more vulnerable to attacks.
Namor is indigenous Maya & should be recognized as such, so their identity isn't further erased.” Thus, both are true. Yes, Huerta represents Latinos, and it's a milestone for us to see Latinos in a Marvel movie — but as far as his character, Namor, goes, he's Indigenous and should be referred to as that.
Does Namor wear vibranium? ›
A new TV spot for the film has Shuri remarking that Namor is “covered in vibranium” – the near unbreakable metal that Captain America's shield is composed of and which can only be mined in Wakanda.
Why did Namor flood Wakanda? ›With the Avengers defeated they retreat to T'Challa's homeland of Wakanda and Namor decides that since the African nation is harboring enemies of mutantkind, it was necessary for Atlantis to invade. This invasion devastates Wakanda and also marks the beginning of T'Challa's rivalry with Namor.
Who is Namor's arch enemy? ›If Namor has an arch-villain, it is probably Attuma, a fellow Atlantean and ruthless warlord. He believes himself destined to conquer Atlantis, and he has attempted it on several occasions, succeeding more than once. During the most recent attempt, Attuma is stopped by Robert Reynolds, AKA Sentry, who kills him.
Did Shuri cut off Namor's wings? ›As there was an ocean nearby, the only chance Shuri had of succeeding in her plan was by taking out Namor's ankle wings and his mobility advantage. Fortunately for the character, Namor's MCU future after Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will include his ankle wings growing back.
Can Namor regenerate his wings? ›Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduced Namor in all his glory to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including the character's signature ankle wings — which were slashed by Shuri in the movie's final battle but can apparently grow back.
Why didn't Namor fight Thanos? ›One of the biggest reasons that Namor and the Talokans didn't join the fight against Thanos during the events of Avengers: Endgame is that they hadn't been cast yet.
Why can t Marvel make a Namor movie? ›According to Wakanda Forever producer Nate Moore, the rights to Namor as a character belong to Universal instead of Disney.
Can Namor defeat Thor? ›Thor is absolutely stronger than Namor in the comics and more powerful overall. If the two went head-to-head, Thor would emerge as victorious almost every time. Namor might be an incredibly strong mutant, but Thor is a literal god, and he's simply overpowered for the Sub-Mariner.
Can Namor beat Scarlet Witch? ›There are few beings in the universe who are capable of defeating the Scarlet Witch in a fight when she is at her maximum power level. If even the combined might of the Illuminati were unable to stop her, Namor wouldn't stand a chance either, and would quickly succumb to her immense strength.
Can Ironman beat Namor? ›9 Namor Is Simply Too Much
Iron Man and Namor have rarely faced off one-on-one but Namor has usually come out on top of the situation when they do. That being said, it would be a surprise to find out that Tony hadn't installed something in his armor to deal with Namor if they ever fight again.
Is Namor bullet proof? ›
As for Namor he has always been bullet proof, knife proof, tank proof etc. since the very beginning. In fact very few things can hurt him or even pierce his skin. He has used his body as a weapon to go through any form of rock and steel and is very strong.
Why Aquaman is better than Namor? ›Where Aquaman has the upper hand is in his ability to control aquatic life through his marine telepathy. A recent Marvel Comics and DC crossover storyline proved Aquaman's telepathic ability to talk to marine animals is more potent than Namor's.
Is Namor a mutant or Atlantean? ›Yes, Namor is a mutant. During his period of memory loss, Namor actually met Charles Xavier and the two searched the globe for more of their kind as revealed in INVADERS (2019) #4.
Can Namor defeat Aquaman? ›Yes, in a one-on-one fight, it is possible that Namor can defeat Aquaman in a battle. For the most part, they are both evenly matched. However, Namor has more experience as a warrior and would overpower Aquaman as long as he is ready to do anything.
Is Namor a hero or villain? ›He was both a villain and a hero – striking against the human race who destroyed his home, but showing a great deal of noblesse oblige to individuals.
What is Namor's weakness? ›Weakness: Water Deficiency
When he is short on water, Namor's strength, stamina, and durability are significantly affected, which makes him considerably weaker and more vulnerable to attacks.
Namor is indigenous Maya & should be recognized as such, so their identity isn't further erased.” Thus, both are true. Yes, Huerta represents Latinos, and it's a milestone for us to see Latinos in a Marvel movie — but as far as his character, Namor, goes, he's Indigenous and should be referred to as that.
Can Namor regrow his wings? ›Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduced Namor in all his glory to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including the character's signature ankle wings — which were slashed by Shuri in the movie's final battle but can apparently grow back.
Was Namor ever an avenger? ›After starring in solo comics throughout the '40s and '50s, Namor was resurrected in the '60s by Kirby and Stan Lee as a frenemy for their Fantastic Four. He later spent time as a member of the Avengers, the X-Men, and the Illuminati, although his heart always belongs first and foremost to his undersea kingdom.
Can Magneto beat Aquaman? ›3 Could Defeat: Aquaman
While Poseidon's Trident could probably do some damage to Magneto, Aquaman still has blood with iron in it, meaning if Magneto doesn't want the fight to go a long time, it won't.
Who is Namor arch nemesis? ›
If Namor has an arch-villain, it is probably Attuma, a fellow Atlantean and ruthless warlord. He believes himself destined to conquer Atlantis, and he has attempted it on several occasions, succeeding more than once. During the most recent attempt, Attuma is stopped by Robert Reynolds, AKA Sentry, who kills him.
Who has beaten Namor? ›- 1 Namor Is Forced To Retreat After Captain America Surrenders.
- 2 A Corrupted She-Hulk Decimates Atlantis. ...
- 3 Namor Gets Decapitated. ...
- 4 Paul Destine Mind Controls Namor. ...
- 5 Namor Loses His Second Fight Against The Fantastic Four. ...
- 6 Magneto Forces Namor To Retreat. ...
- 7 Namor And Hulk Lose To The Avengers. ...
Namor can fly in the Marvel comics, and his power of flight comes from his mutant genes. Namor's unique physiology as a half-human, half-Atlantean is where the majority of his powers come from, such as his superhuman strength, speed, and ability to breath underwater.