As we approach the sequel to one of Marvel’s most successful films,Black Panther, many unresolved mysteries still need to be addressed. With the recent trailer forBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, fans have been wondering about the history of Atlantis and the identity of Namor: The Submariner. The Marvel Cinematic Universe spanned 29 films, 9 Disney Plus series, and a specialtitledWerewolf by Night. However, no mention of Atlantis or Namor has been made thus far.
For this reason, fans are drawn to Namor’s character and have been speculating on all sorts of theories related to Atlantis. That being said, there is noinvolvement of Atlanteansin any battles in the story, but they seem to have a significant role to play in the upcoming MCU phases, or so it appears in Marvel Comics.
So the main question remains unanswered: Who are Atlanteans? And why are they so determined to destroy Wakanda? Is it a clash of two kings or a tragic tale of two kingdoms?
Intertwined History of Wakanda and Atlantis
Wakanda and Atlantis are hidden civilizations and technologically advanced nations with incredible military might. While Wakanda feared Earth’s people would abuse their technology, Atlantis feared that surface inhabitants would destroy their country. Although both nations have a lot in common, their first feud began when Black Panther encountered Namor while investigating a matter of Wakandan traitors.
Related:Explained: Who is Namor & His Possible Impact on the MCU
Namor had a similar objective to his Nation, and as their interests aligned, they teamed up to solve the issue. T’Challa, however, saw Namor as a potential threat to Wakanda in the future and decided to make a file of the weaknesses of Atlantis and Namor, specifically.
Soon after, Black Panther apprehended a few Atlanteans who had stolen Wakandan technology by misinterpreting Namor’s orders. This incident resulted in disagreements between the two leaders over who would punish the criminals. In a similar incident, Deviant Lemuria of an Atlantean alliance sought to kill a Deviant child born in Wakanda. T’Challa, on the other hand, launched a preemptive strike on the attacking fleet of Atlantis, and both nations later patched things up.
Although most of these incidents were close to sparking a war, they paled in comparison to the devastation caused by the X-Men and Thanos in these hidden countries.
The Deadly Multiverse Incursions & the Beginning of Eternal Feud
Wakanda became involved in the fight during the Avengers vs. X-Men crossover event. While the Avengers saw Phoenix Force as a dangerous entity capable of destroying the world, the X-Men saw it as an asset to improve the world’s situation. As they became increasingly estranged, Namor began collaboratingwith the X-Menand eventually obtained a piece of Phoenix’s power. When the Avengers hid in Wakanda to launch a surprise attack, Namor unleashed a massive tidal wave that destroyed most of Wakanda, officially declaring both nations at war.
Related:X-Men Villains We Need to See in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe
After Black Panther and Namor joined the Illuminati, a secret organization involving the world’s most powerful superheroes to protect Earth from Incursions (where two planets collide until one turns to smithereens), both countries eventually formed a peace treaty. As tensions rose due to incursions, they had to decide to sacrifice other planets in order to save their own. While T’Challachosed to destroy an empty planet with a negligible population, Namor didn’t even bat an eye and acted swiftly to protect his people.
T’Challa and Namor were away from home during this adventure. AsQueen of Wakanda, Shurisought vengeance by planning a sneak attack on Atlantis and decimating most of its structure in response to the previous incident of the tidal wave.
The End of Eternal War
Namor returned home, hoping to see his people happy, but discovered a devastated kingdom instead. At the time of this incident, Thanos and his children were searching for Infinity Stones on Earth and eventually came across Namor. Namor took advantage of the situation by swearing allegiance to Thanos and even lying about an Infinity Stone residing in Wakanda. It resulted in Mad Titan waging war on the Wakandan people, and Namor eventually revealed his role in the incident, making him a sworn enemy of Wakanda.
Despite the ongoing incursions, Black Panther and Namor exchanged blows several times. Ultimately, T’Challa ended the conflict by stabbing and pushing Namor into a planet about to be destroyed by the incursions. Whether he survived the crisis or died for good is best left to the audience who hasn’t read Marvel Comics but is devoted to the MCU films.
T’Challa and Namor shared many similarities, but fate and circumstances turned them into sworn enemies, resulting in the deaths of millions of individuals in both nations. Though both heroes have a strong desire to protect their homeland and its people, they’ve done things they’re not proud of and held grudges that have had disastrous consequences. With such a deep history, fans would love to seeNamor in an antagonistic rolein the upcoming film, as it requires a powerful antagonist like Killmonger in the first installment.
Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverwill be released in theaters on July 29, 2025, giving fans a visual representation of the history of the two nations and ending the enthusiasm once and for all.
