In a notable development for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Namor the Sub-Mariner, portrayed by Tenoch Huerta, is set to return in Avengers: Doomsday, which will premiere on December 18, 2026. This film marks his second live-action appearance, following his role as an antagonist in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The character’s evolving narrative may hint at a potential connection to the X-Men, especially given recent design changes and storyline hints.
In the latest teaser for Avengers: Doomsday, Namor has undergone a significant visual transformation. The new outfit he dons appears to move away from the Aztec-inspired attire introduced in Black Panther, opting instead for a design that aligns more closely with his comic book roots. This new look includes a black costume with a high collar, reminiscent of the attire Namor wore during his tenure with the X-Men in the 2000s and early 2010s. This shift raises questions about Marvel’s intentions for the character, particularly in relation to his past affiliations with the superhero team.
The fact that Namor is a mutant, a detail openly acknowledged in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, further solidifies the possibility of his connection to the X-Men. In that film, Huerta’s character explicitly identified himself as a mutant, which could play a crucial role in his interactions with other mutants in Avengers: Doomsday. Should he encounter Professor X or other X-Men members, there is potential for a storyline that examines his mutant identity and explores a sense of community among superheroes.
If Namor’s narrative leads him to align with the X-Men, it would not be unprecedented. In the comics, Namor has often found himself without a home, a theme that could be echoed in the MCU. The conclusion of Black Panther hinted at political instability in Talokan, suggesting that Namor might seek new alliances. Such a development could provide a pathway for his character to connect with the X-Men, particularly if Talokan experiences turmoil due to his previous peace efforts with Shuri.
While potential collaboration with the X-Men is intriguing, it remains unclear how Marvel intends to integrate Namor into the overarching narrative of the MCU. The current lineup of X-Men characters featured in Avengers: Doomsday comprises older figures from previous film adaptations, which may indicate that Marvel is also planning to introduce a younger generation of X-Men in future projects. If Namor aligns with the current team, his experience and abilities could prove invaluable in future conflicts, especially against formidable foes like Doctor Doom.
Namor’s unique powers, which place him on par with heavyweights like Thor and Hulk, could fill a significant gap in the X-Men roster. Historically, the X-Men have lacked characters with comparable strength, making Namor a potentially strategic addition to the group as they face escalating threats.
As anticipation builds for Avengers: Doomsday, fans are left speculating about the implications of Namor’s new design and narrative direction. While there are many possibilities for the character’s development, the connections to the X-Men could redefine his role within the MCU, paving the way for thrilling storylines in years to come. The evolution of Namor’s character will undoubtedly remain a focal point for audiences as Marvel continues to expand its cinematic universe.
