Black Panther: Wakanda Forever showed that Namor was ready to play the long game in his grand plan. But this could recreate two classic teams.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever showed the destructive power of Namor and his Talokan army. With a society of superhuman beings at his command, as well as his status as a Mutant, it’s clear that he’s someone the surface world is far from prepared to face. Nevertheless, he still failed in his plan to overtake the surface, thanks to the new Black Panther. But just because he lost the battle doesn’t mean he’s lost the war.
Following his defeat in Wakanda Forever, Namor reassured Namora that he would play the long game with the surface and wait for Wakanda to turn to them for aid. But this might only be one aspect of his plan. With Namor’s charming nature and ability to sway a person’s opinion, Namor could easily work with the surface in a way the world would understand: heroism. But even though he could defend the world as a solo hero, he’d cover a lot more ground with a team. Thankfully, he just so happens to be a part of two powerful teams in the comics that could return to the MCU at any time.
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The Defenders Represent Namor’s Strength
The Defenders initially appeared in the Marvel Netflix continuity and consisted of street-level heroes like Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Jessica Jones. But this iteration wasn’t the first. In fact, the original Defenders team was far more powerful, with Doctor Strange, Hulk, Namor and the Silver Surfer. However, later team additions would include Hercules and Valkyrie, among other characters. The team acted similarly to the Avengers but consisted of more outsiders and unlikely team players. As a result, the Defenders would be the perfect team for Namor to introduce after Wakanda Forever as a way to sway some of the strongest heroes to his cause.
Though Doctor Strange isn’t a team player, he can admit when he needs help. If Namor were to appear at his doorstep, it would mean whatever the threat is would be too great for either of them to defeat alone; it would imply Strange would need help from other avenues like Hulk’s intelligence and strength, as well as Hercules and Valkyrie’s brawn and strategic skill. In the end, Namor could build a camaraderie with these characters and even form a close bond with Strange, securing a sorcerer as an ally.
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The Illuminati Would Be Namor’s Brains
While it’d be great to have the strength of the surface on his side, Namor would also require an easy in with the world’s greatest minds and superpowers. But to do that, he would need to befriend them. Therefore, there’s no better time to introduce the Illuminati, and with Professor X and Reed Richards coming soon, now would be the best time to bring these characters in as newcomers looking to make a difference on a grand scale. But even though Strange has seen the dangers of this group in other realities, he could join as well, keeping the team honest, all while Namor uses their discoveries to his advantage.
In the end, Namor has always known that the surface is a world he’s totally ignorant of. But by placing himself on teams that could better acclimate him to their customs, he could gain their trust even fast. However, the moment he’s achieved his goals and earned his place as a hero, he could enact his larger plan and use the strength of the Defenders and the intelligence of the Illuminati to inadvertently help kickstart his war. But even still, Doctor Strange may be his only real threat, as he may not trust him from the start. Nevertheless, Namor’s plan from Wakanda Forever is the best way to bring two classic Marvel teams back to the MCU.
