Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was not only one of the most poignant and emotional entries of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it also introduced fans to Namor, a nuanced anti-hero who left viewers craving more. Such a success among audiences means that the studio would want to find ways for Namor to return to the screen. However, the tricky business of film rights and distribution may doom any solo project ideas, much like what happened to The Hulk. But the MCU cannot afford such a fate to repeat.
A few years back, before Marvel was a major movie studio, The Hulk’s distribution rights were tied up with a deal with Universal Studios, among a list of other Marvel characters of which Namor is part. Today, Disney owns the right to use both Namor and The Hulk in stories, films or television as intellectual property. But because of that pre-Disney distribution deal, a stand-alone film for either Namor or The Hulk could only be distributed by Universal. That is why the MCU hasn’t made an Incredible Hulk film but can use the character in team-ups.
The MCU Failed The Hulk
Marvel’s recent film history had Hulk first jumping to the silver screen in 2003 with Hulk, directed by Ang Lee and starring Eric Bana as Dr. Bruce Banner. The poor reception and critical disappointment for that film had Universal consider working with recently born Marvel Studios on another project, replacing all major talent and rebooting the character. Thus, The Incredible Hulk, starring Edward Norton, premiered in the same year Tony Stark first put on the Iron Man suit. Afterward, the MCU started, Disney later bought Marvel Studios, and Norton was replaced by Mark Ruffalo. It remained in limbo for years, with fans wondering if there would ever be another stand-alone film.
Instead, the MCU made use of its property rights to have Hulk appearing in team-up movies like the Avengers and, most recently, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Although it helped to develop the character to a certain degree, the MCU could not entirely focus on The Hulk’s solo storyline. Like Thor and his tragic life trajectory, Dr. Banner loses his humanity and repeatedly fails to control his anger in unending torment. That is, until Avengers: Endgame, where a drastically changed ‘Smart Hulk’ appears out of nowhere, with many wondering about the specific journey that led to the merging of both his personalities. Such a storyline would’ve made a great stand-alone film if there ever was a chance to happen.
For Namor To Succeed, He Must Go Off on His Own
Just like Bruce Banner, Namor is quite an interesting character, if not more. As Marvel’s first anti-hero, and decades in the making, he finally made his way to the MCU. Namor is a profound and complex character, a protector of sea-born creatures and always looking to preserve his culture. His backstory, partially told in Wakanda Forever, not to mention countless comic-book adventures and crossovers, enriches what could be a great stand-alone film. Plus, he’s already become a popular figure since Wakanda Forever hit the screens, and he can reach an audience like the MCU has never had. Namor deserves a film, series or animation of his own.
However, with movie rights being such a complex subject, audiences should not expect such a film so soon. Either Disney finds a way to work together with Universal in making such a project, just like it did with Spider-Man and Sony Pictures, or Namor may become jeopardized like The Hulk. If Namor becomes limited to appearances in other superhero films or team-ups, the character may have a Hulk-like fate. Hopefully, with Bob Iger back at Disney, both parties can come to an agreement about the future of both Namor and The Hulk.
To see Namor’s first appearance in the MCU, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now in theaters.
