Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will soon introduce several new heroes to the MCU, with Dominique Thorne debuting as Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, replacing Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa as the protector of Wakanda, and Tenoch Huerta making his debut as Namor the Sub. Mariner, the king of Atlantis.
Atlantis and Wakanda were previously at war in Marvel Comics, and that rivalry appears to carry over to the MCU in Black Panther 2. Namor the Sub-Mariner, his cousin Namora, and Attuma warlord Attuma are all slated to be key players in Wakanda Forever as the underwater empire of Wakanda wages war in an effort to start a franchise of their own.
Leaks have already given a first glimpse of how Namor will appear in Wakanda Forever as fans eagerly await the first trailer, and new promotional art has just given the first teaser of Attuma.
Black Panther 2 Art presents Namor’s Attuma
A new promotional artwork from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has surfaced online, via MCU setupwhich offers a first look at the Namor villain and the Atlantean warlord Attuma
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Attuma’s Wakanda Forever look bears some resemblance to his Marvel Comics design, with more Mayan influences and a hammerhead skull for a helmet.
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Namor will make his MCU debut in Black Panther 2 and will reportedly be played by Narcos: Mexico actor Tenoch Huerta.
Who is Attuma from Black Panther 2?
Attuma plans to carry his signature Marvel Comics blue skin to the MCU, meaning the Atlanteans will retain their blue aesthetic. With leaked promotional graphics showing Huerta’s Namor sticking to his own skin color on-screen, the MCU appears to be adapting its classic origin of being half human mutant and half Atlantean, likely abandoning the mutant connections for now.
Marvel Comics
With enhanced strength, endurance, and speed, the Namor villain was born to a tribe of barbarian Atlanteans long ago banished from underwater civilization. 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 carry over into the Wakanda-centric story.
Atlantis has frequently proven to be an antagonist to Black Panther and the Wakandan, but Namor generally proves to be more of an antihero than a villain. Perhaps, after a long rivalry, Attuma will be the driving force that forces the Sub-Mariner to join forces with the Wakandas to protect their two worlds.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever continues to promote the influence of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations on its style, with clear tribal influences on Attuma’s design. The MCU’s Atlantean culture seems to descend closely from the Mayans and Aztecs, with the crew’s gifts already highlighting Tepeyollotli, an Aztec god.
The Black Panther sequel previously cast two Indigenous actors codenamed “Zyanya” and “Cadmael” for unknown roles. The first is described as a fierce warrior, with reports indicating that the character is Namora and is played by Mabel Cadena. The second is said to be a tall, strong, powerful and loyal man, this probably refers to Attuma.
There is currently no indication as to who Attuma will bring to life in the MCU, or if he will prove to be a one-off villain. Wakanda Forever is Namor’s only definite appearance right now, but a solo project is likely on the horizon if fans respond well to the character and Huerta’s performance.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11th.