Endgame’s Namor Tease Was Intentional Sowing Seeds For Marvel’s Future

Writer Christopher Markus has confirmed that the potential Namor tease in Avengers: Endgame was an entirely intentional seed for the future. Created by writer-artist Bill Everett, Namor the Sub-Mariner debuted in 1939. Throughout what is known as the Golden Age of Comic Books, the character enjoyed popularity on par with Captain America and the original Human Torch. Born to a sea captain and an Atlantean princess, Namor is widely considered the first known comic book antihero. He has often fought alongside such factions as the Avengers, the X-Men, and upcoming MCU arrivals the Fantastic Four. However, the short-fused Namor has occasionally also served as an antagonistic force – seeking vengeance for crimes by land-dwellers against his underwater kingdom.

Despite the character’s enduring popularity, he has yet to make it to the big screen. The main reason for that is that the movie rights to Namor were sold to Universal years ago. Many of the other Universal-owned characters have since reverted back to the Disney-owned Marvel Studios. However, in 2018, Kevin Feige stated that the rights remain complicated. Regardless, the character has been the subject of rumors and speculation. Fans got a new sense of hope on the Namor front with the release of Avengers: Endgame. When updating Natasha Romanoff, Okoye mentioned an underwater earthquake off the coast of Africa. When pressed on what the Wakandan response would be, Okoye implied that it’s best left alone. Many took that to reference Namor, who very much wouldn’t welcome outside intervention within his realm.

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During a quarantine watch party for Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the film’s writers were asked directly via Twitter whether it had been intentional or mere coincidence. Markus opted to answer the question over co-writer Stephen McFeely. “Sometimes, you plant seeds,” he replied succinctly. “Sometimes, they grow.” As a result, it was clear that the groundwork was indeed being laid for a future Namor appearance. Check out the full tweet in the space below:

Whether or not Marvel Studios actually follows through on that seed, however, is another question entirely. Given Okoye being the one to make the reference, a popular theory was that Namor could serve as an antagonist in the highly-anticipated sequel Black Panther 2. Given the success of the similarly themed Aquaman at the box office, it’s certainly a realm ripe for Marvel to explore next. Appearing in Black Panther 2 would indeed serve as a solid launchpad for a solo and outwardly more heroic outing. Another option has been that he could instead make an appearance in another upcoming sequel altogether: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Unfortunately, though Marvel Studios have revealed certain plans years in advance – such as the arrival of Blade in Phase 5 – they have yet to confirm or deny any subsequent plans for Namor following the tease.

Equally, the coronavirus pandemic has ultimately caused widespread shutdowns of Hollywood productions. As a result, the Phase 4 slate of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen the bulk of its release dates pushed back. Therefore, even if there is a plan for Namor to show up in one of the upcoming films, it’ll be even longer now before it’s officially confirmed. Conversely, however, it also gives Marvel Studios more time to unravel the rights issues if still necessary. Whatever the case, fans will no doubt be delighted by the new confirmation that, post-Avengers: Endgame, Namor is at least out there in the shared universe.

More: Every Upcoming Marvel Movie Namor Could Appear In

Source: Christopher Markus/Twitter

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