Patrick Stewart’s Professor X appearing in Doctor Strange 2 makes it possible for Namor the Sub-Mariner to appear earlier than Black Panther 2.
Professor X appearing in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness makes it possible for Namor the Sub-Mariner to make an early debut in the MCU. Reportedly played by Tenoch Huerta, the Avenging Son is heavily rumored to be the main villain for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. But even if he really is in the film, it may not actually be his first big-screen appearance.
Namor, who is arguably the biggest Marvel character who has never appeared in live-action, has been the heavy favorite for Black Panther 2’s villain since the very beginning. Hints about Atlantis in Avengers: Endgame reinforced the theories that Wakanda is on a collision course with Namor’s underwater kingdom in Phase 4. More fuel was added to the fire when set photos of underwater scenes in Black Panther 2 emerged. But officially speaking, Marvel has been keeping quiet on Namor’s role (if he has one at all). But while Marvel has avoided confirming his involvement, the fanbase remains convinced of Namor’s presence in the story
If it’s true that Namor is joining the MCU in Black Panther 2, Professor X’s cameo in the Doctor Strange 2 trailer just created room for him to show up earlier than expected. There’s now a chance that Namor could appear alongside Xavier. In the comics, both are members of the Illuminati, the highly secretive organization that Professor X is supposedly representing in the film. Patrick Stewart’s character speaking on behalf of a multiverse council that has apprehended Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) has given the impression that the MCU is introducing the Illuminati. Similar to the comics, it seems that MCU’s Illuminati consists of important characters from different corners of Marvel’s world. It’s possible that Namor will be among the Illuminati members shown in the film.
A cameo from Namor wouldn’t have to interfere with whatever his role is in Black Panther 2. As Stewart’s role suggests, the MCU’s Illuminati roster seemingly contains characters from other universes. If so, Doctor Strange 2’s Namor could be from a separate timeline. He could be a version of the Sub-Mariner who already met Strange, went to war with Wakanda, and evolved into a powerful figure in the superhero community. His role could be used to build hype for his Black Panther 2 story.
Namor would be a fitting addition to Doctor Strange 2, regardless of his ties to the Illuminati. In Marvel Comics, Doctor Strange and Namor are longtime allies who have been teaming up since they formed the Defenders together in the early 1970s. In fact, Strange is one of the few humans that Namor counts a friend worthy of his trust. Over the years, Namor has developed a respect for his talents and often turns to him when Atlantis is threatened. By introducing any version of the Sub-Mariner to Strange in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Marvel can lay the groundwork for a future team-up between the two, whether it be in a sequel or a proper Defenders movie.
