Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will soon introduce several new heroes to the MCU as Dominique Thorne debuts as Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa is replaced as the protector of Wakanda, and Tenoch Huerta makes his first appearance as Namor the Sub-Mariner, the King of Atlantis.
Atlantis and Wakanda have previously been to war in Marvel Comics, and that rivalry appears to be carrying over to the MCU in Black Panther 2. Namor the Sub-Mariner, his cousin Namora, and the Atlantean warlord Attuma are all said to be major players in Wakanda Forever as the underwater kingdom wages war on Wakanda, with aspirations to launch a franchise of their own.
Leaks have already offered the first look at how Namor will appear in Wakanda Forever as fans eagerly await the first trailer, and new promo art has just offered the first tease of Attuma.
Black Panther 2 Art Showcases Namor's Attuma
A new Black Panther: Wakanda Forever promotional art piece has surfaced online, via MCU Facility, that offers the first look at Namor villain and Atlantean Warlord Attuma
Attuma's Wakanda Forever look bears some resemblance to his Marvel Comics design with the addition of more Mayan influences and a hammerhead shark skull for a helmet.
Namor will make his MCU debut in Black Panther 2 and will reportedly be played by Narcos: Mexico actor Tenoch Huerta.
Who is Black Panther 2's Attuma?
Attuma looks to carry his signature blue skin from Marvel Comics to the MCU, implying the Atlanteans will be maintaining their blue aesthetic. With leaked promo art showing Huerta's Namor to be holding onto his own skin color on-screen, the MCU appears to be adapting his classic origin of being a half-human-mutant and half-Atlantean, likely abandoning the mutant connections for now.
The Namor villain was born with enhanced strength, endurance, and speed to a tribe of barbaric Atlanteans who were banished from the underwater civilization long ago. Years later, Attuma became the ruler of his tribe and vowed to conquer Atlantis under the rule of Namor. There's no telling how much of this story will ultimately be adapted into the Wakanda-centric tale.
Atlantis has frequently proven to be an antagonist to Black Panther and the Wakandan, but Namor generally proves to be more of an anti-hero than a villain. Perhaps, after a long rivalry, Attuma will be the driving force that requires the Sub-Mariner to team up with the Wakandans to protect both of their worlds.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever continues to further the influence of Mayan and Aztec civilization on its style with clear tribal influences on Attuma's design. The MCU's Atlantean culture appears to stem closely from the Mayans and Aztecs, with crew gifts having already highlighted Tepeyollotli, an Aztec god.
The Black Panther sequel previously cast two indigenous actors for unknown roles, codenamed "Zyanya" and "Cadmael." The first is described as a fierce female warrior, with reports indicating the character to be Namora and played by Mabel Cadena. The second is said to be a tall, strong, powerful, and loyal male, this likely refers to either Attuma.
Currently, there is no indication of who will be bringing Attuma to life in the MCU or whether he will prove to be a one-off villain. Wakanda Forever currently stands as the only certain appearance of Namor, but a solo project is likely on the horizon if fans respond to the character and Huerta's performance well.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11.
