Is Namor Really Gone? Spoiler Alert: He’s Just Gone… to a Different Universe
Picture the scene: Namor drops the unexpected word “mutant” in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the whole Marvel fanbase explodes like a super‑powered party. The big implication? The X‑Men are creeping further into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), especially after Professor X showing up in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. That’s great news, right? Until you hear the other half of the story.
“Solo Movie? Not. Not Yet.”
For a while, some fans were buzzing about a potential Namor solo film. Then, Nate Moore (the mastermind behind Eternals and Black Panther) dropped a bombshell: Disney and Marvel can’t produce a dedicated movie for the Sub‑Mariner because the character’s rights are currently owned by Universal. That means the fearless Feathered‑Serpent God can only make cameo appearances, not star center stage.
Remember the Spider‑Man Showdown?
- Just like the Hulk has a similar clause limiting his movie prospects, and seeing how the Hulk’s own fanbase had to be patient.
- In the past, these arrangements have tied a character’s right‑sized love to the owners’ shelf life.
- So, hold your breath for a namor‑only PicAction, because it’s probably going to be a long‑term wait.
Why Marketing Wins Over Development?
Moore hints that this legal clause is less about the character’s story arc and more about the film’s marketing and branding. That’s why, in the MCU, Namor v2.0 looks a bit different from the comic book icon.
What About Disney+?
There’s still a silver lining. No official statement yet means Marvel could still license Namor for a Disney+ series. With She‑Hulk getting a starring slot on the streaming platform, it isn’t a far stretch to imagine Namor soaking up the limelight online instead of on the big screen.
So, if you’re a fan hoping to see this mythic hero stride onto your living room wall, keep watching Disney+—and maybe try to find a mutant‑type snack for the next watch party.
