Michael Waldron, writer of Marvel Studios' Loki and Doctor Strange 2, has suggested there are plans to introduce Namor the Sub-Mariner into the MCU.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness writer Michael Waldron hints there are plans to introduce Namor the Sub-Mariner into the MCU. Directed by Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was released in theaters last weekend to generally positive reactions from critics and audiences. Most reviews specifically praised it for its horror and gothic elements — a franchise first for the MCU. Benedict Cumberbatch returns to star as the titular sorcerer.

Namor the Sub-Mariner was one of the very first characters that Marvel Comics ever created. Conceived in 1939 under Timely Comics (Marvel's predecessor), he is a mutant son of a human sea captain and the princess of Atlantis, much like DC's more popular superhero, Aquaman. Also similar to DC's character are Namor's powers; he has superhuman strength, super-speed underwater and the ability to manipulate water to his will. In Marvel lore, Namor has been a key member of the Illuminati, an organization that was recently featured in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

In an interview with Variety, Waldron explains that Namor was discussed during pre-production for Doctor Strange 2, since he has been part of the Illuminati in the comics. However, the aquatic antihero was ultimately passed over for one big reason. As Waldron says:

[We] talked about him, because he’s certainly an original member of the Illuminati. But I think Marvel has other plans for him in the MCU. And so he didn’t make his way in this particular movie.

Marvel fans all over the world have been wanting to see a live-action Namor for years. There is a line from Avengers: Endgame that fans have taken to be a set-up or reference to said hero, in which the Wakandan warrior Okoye (played by Danai Gurira) mentions a "mild subduction under the African plate," an "earthquake under the ocean." Since then, there have been rumors that Namor will be a key part of this year's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and that he could be played by Tenoch Huerta. Marvel has not confirmed this yet, but the theories only seem to be growing.

It was recently announced by Feige at CinemaCon that plans for the MCU now stretch well into 2032. Given how many projects they've already revealed to be in production (a grand total of 26 still on the way as of now, starting with Ms. Marvel in June), it is entirely possible that Namor the Sub-Mariner is in the cards to join the multi-billion dollar franchise sometime between now and then. Waldron's words certainly make it seem like that is the case. Whether it's via the multiverse or through Black Panther 2, fans are waiting on the edges of their seats to see one of Marvel's first superheroes finally brought to live-action.

More: Doctor Strange 2 Subtly Begins Namor's MCU Setup (Before Black Panther 2)

Source: Variety