According to Winston Duke, who plays M'Baku in the MCU, Namor from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever feels more authentic than DC's Aquaman in the impending Marvel sequel.
Actor for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever claims Namor from the MCU feels more authentic than Aquaman from the DC Universe. The half-human, half-Atlantean character Namor: The Sub-Mariner was created by Bill Everett and first appeared in Marvel Comics #1 in 1939. Since then, the character has appeared in numerous Marvel Comics issues, but despite numerous attempts prior to the MCU, the character has yet to appear in a live-action project.
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Namor will make his first live-action appearance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and actor Tenoch Huerta's casting as the character is a significant one for the production company. Both Marvel and DC comics feature the legendary underwater city of Atlantis, with the former being governed by Arthur Curry/Aquaman, who is played in the DC Extended Universe by actor Jason Momoa. The blockbuster film Aquaman, which was directed by James Wan, depicted Atlantis as a spreading realm of many diverse creatures in a vast, fantastic underwater planet. In contrast to Aquaman's version, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will present Atlantis in its own unique perspective. Winston Duke, who plays M'Baku in the MCU, compares the character [Namor] to Aquaman from the DC Extended Universe, noting that Wakanda Forever Version feels " a lot more real than fiction." Duke claims that Namor's cultural elements in the MCU, particularly the "Latinx component," which will increase the franchise's diversity, prevent him from being just "another Aquaman." Read Duke's complete response below:
In our version, it feels a lot more real than fiction. In the MCU fashion, we've grounded it in real cultural significance and cultural traditions. You see the Latinx contingent that is present visually. Ryan Coogler's creation within the Marvel cinematic landscape is one of deep honor and connection to real stuff. So I think a lot of people are gonna see themselves represented.
The comic book conflict between the kingdoms of Wakanda and Atlantis will have a significant impact on the plot of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Arthur Curry from Aquaman is quite different from Namor, who has frequently been characterised as a violent, authoritarian king. The Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom film, which will be released next year, will explore the mythical world of Atlantis, where the DCEU hero is more of a reluctant monarch. Black Panther's first film's strong, if fictional, ties to Wakanda's culture helped it feel more real in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it looks that will be the case with the Atlanteans in the sequel.
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Atlantis in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is based on a particular culture, but it is still largely a fictitious planet that fits the MCU given what has been produced so far. Additionally, it aids in differentiating the diverse groups, cultures, organisations, etc., strengthening their sense of self in comparison to their MCU counterparts. The most significant aspect of Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is simply his long-awaited appearance. Regardless of how real or imaginary it all is, this is by far the most important aspect of the character.
Source: Los Angeles Times