Debdipta Bhattacharya
In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Mexican actor Tenoch Huerta is set to play the Sub-Mariner, Namor. This year’s Marvel Panel at San Diego Comic-Con offered audiences the first official glimpse at the beloved comic-book character that fans have long yearned to see in the MCU narrative. Unfortunately, while most people celebrated the much-awaited inclusion, others were quick to stoop to their fault-finding nature.
Not too many people were fascinated by the casting choice. Many chose to direct their insulting comments at Tenoch Huerta’s physique. Some were initially disappointed to not see an intensely jacked-up, full-muscles-bulging-out, comic-book archetypal depiction. The hate reached a point of obscurity when an award-winning Marvel Artist drew contrasts between his body and that of Huerta. Additionally, he alluded to the actor being in “worst shape” in comparison to a “60 years old artist.”
A Twist Of Events: Tenoch Huerta’s Marvelous Physique
Empire Magazine, in their Black Panther: Wakanda Forever feature, revealed to the fans some never-seen-before images from the upcoming MCU film. One such picture offers a half-body look at Huerta’s Namor, whose chiseled physique has completely shut down the hate he initially had to bear witness to. Such a twist of events is a testament to how quick people are to judge a piece of media or the people associated with it; way before they’re even offered the complete, bigger picture.
Just a month ago, Mike Deodato, Jr., a Marvel comic-book artist who has worked on several comic titles such as Thunderbolts, Wolverine: Origins, Amazing Spider-Man, etc., took to Instagram to post a comparison image between his physique and that of Tenoch Huerta‘s. This particular post received tremendous backlash, as people claimed it to have crossed several limits. The Eisner award-winner was accused of body-shaming the Black Panther actor.
Not just Deodato, people on the Internet kept criticizing Huerta and MCU’s Namor. While many called him “too fat”, others bore resentment towards a change in the antihero’s Atlantean background. From the very start, the depiction was put under much scrutiny. However, that has now changed.
While thousands of fans were always excited, having shown astounding support for Huerta, the haters too might be regretting their original stance.
Fans’ Reaction To The Exclusive Image Of Namor
To say fans are amazed would be an understatement. Swarms of people have come forward to commend Tenoch Huerta’s physique – mostly in the form of lighthearted memes. While some still harbor skepticism about how MCU will deal with Namor’s character arc and story-building, others are assured that the Ruler of Talocan will become one of the highlights of the film.
Take a look:
And y’all say he has a bad bod🤣☠️
— DOOMBLAZER 🍥 (@DoomBlazer23) September 26, 2022
— Ace® (@StrangeAcee) September 26, 2022
Dude he's so fucking cool how are people hating on him
— The Funnee Woman (@thefunneewoman) September 26, 2022
Y'all are lying if you're saying he doesn't look like Namor??? Angry face, pointy ears, winged feet, and green trucks with a gold belt are Namor's most defining features. Let's be real, what's your REAL issue? pic.twitter.com/7R7JjXBzvN
— Evan Von Doom 💀 (@EvanReadsComics) September 26, 2022
Nah everyone who saw d23 footage said he didn't even flinch when mbaku attacked him he is shown very powerful
— Hazard (@myspideyj) September 26, 2022
you either believe in Tenoch Huerta as Namor supremacy or you’re WRONG pic.twitter.com/sX2eqbDJ9y
— Ty ➃ (@ClobberinTyme) September 26, 2022
Described by director Ryan Coogler as the “dream antagonist”, the Sub-Mariner will have an integral role to play in the upcoming sequel. As reports and rumors point to Marvel Studios potentially setting off further spin-offs to the Black Panther narrative, many have assumed that Namor, too, will become a central focus in the future of the MCU. We may get to see endeavors in the future strictly concerning Tenoch Huerta’s character and any further exploration beyond the limits of Wakanda Forever.
For now, fans patiently await to see their favorite comic-book character finally make his anticipated MCU debut. It’d be an exciting premise to look forward to.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to make its theatrical release on 11 November 2022.
Source: Empire Magazine
