Comic book fans have been itching to see Namor and his fellow Atlanteans on the big screen for years. It looks like his time might finally be here as a new rumor suggests the character, along with a few others, will appear in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The rumored casting call that went out earlier this year for a pair of Latin American warriors might actually be for Namor and Namora. If the rumor is true, it would indicate that the Marvel Cinematic Universe might be drawing inspiration from a real-life civilization for their version of Atlantis. It would also be very different from what comic book fans are used to.
Namor, who has one Atlantean parent and one land-dwelling parent, much like DC's Aquaman, has often been thought of as someone of Asian/Pacific Islander descent by fans. Many fans hold out hope for an AAPI actor in the role. Until the rumor is confirmed as truth from Marvel themselves, that could still be the case. In addition to Namor and his cousin Namora, another Atlantean is also rumored to appear in the upcoming movie. Attuma, a warlord and Namor's rival for the Atlantean throne, is also a possibility. All three of the characters would make for an interesting potential clash of cultures in Black Panther 2. These particular actors would be great for the roles if the rumors become reality.
Namora
Originally named Aquaria Nautica Neptunia, this character took on the name Namora to honor her cousin. She's just as tough as he is in or out of the water. Namora, like her cousin, is part Atlantean, part human mutate. One of her powers involves flight. An actress playing the role has to be physical enough to pull of her fighting, her swimming, and her flying. If the rumors of a Latin American or Indigenous casting are true, a great candidate would be Eiza González. The Mexican actress has been slowly making a name for herself in Hollywood with smaller roles in action movies. An MCU project could catapult her into the spotlight.
If the rumors about the potential Latin American connection to Atlantis aren't entirely true, it's still possible that Namor and Namora could be cast with Asian actors in mind. Leah Lewis would be an interesting choice to bring Namora to life. Though she's been steadily working since she was a teenager, most of her roles have been supporting characters on television. These days, she's playing George Fan in Nancy Drew. Though she doesn't have a background in action movies or fighting, she does have a background in understanding movement. Lewis grew up studying dance as well as acting. She's even done some of her own choreography in the past.
Attuma
Unlike Namor and Namora, Attuma isn't actually from Atlantis. Attuma belongs to a group kicked out of the undersea kingdom. Raised in a brutal environment, Attuma grows up to be a warlord and believes himself to be the rightful ruler of Atlantis. An actor taking on the role would have to be capable of playing intimidating and ruthless.
Luke Evans has long been a fan favorite to play Namor by some comic book fans. He could easily take on the villainous turn of Attuma, bringing conflict to Namor's world. If Gabriel Luna hadn't already played a role in the MCU - for Agents Of SHIELD, he'd also make for an intimidating threat to Namor's place on the throne. Both actors are equally capable in action and dramatic roles, able to lend a pathos to Attuma's plight.
Namor
In November 2020, Tenoch Huerta's name surfaced in connection with the Black Panther sequel. Though never officially confirmed, he has been rumored to be cast in the movie. The original rumor specified that he was in talks to play a villain. Recent rumors further assert that Black Panther 2 cast Huerta as Namor. The Mexican actor is best known for his role in Narcos, and an MCU project would definitely raise his profile. The MCU is known for making lesser known actors into household names. Namor frequently comes into conflict with the Wakandan royal family in the comics. That being said, he is, at his core, a hero.
If the rumors aren't true and there's still room for Namor to be added to the cast, Eddie Liu would also make for a great Namor. He doesn't have as long of an acting resume as Huerta, but he does have extensive fight experience, which he currently showcases as Henry in the Kung Fu reboot. Liu and Huerta bring very different physicalities to their roles, but both would be able to nail Namor's dry humor and protective nature.
Fans will likely find out whether there's truth to any casting rumors when Black Panther: Wakanda Forever begins filming later this year.