Which MCU or DCEU Superhero Deserves a Film: Namor or Aquaman?
For fans of the Heroic Age of comic books, Namor and Aquaman are two iconic oceanic marvels that have captivated audiences for decades. If you were to choose between a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film featuring Namor or a DCEU (DC Extended Universe) film featuring Aquaman, which would you prefer?
Namor: Marvel’s First True Oceanic Hero
Namor is significantly more than just another sea god when compared to Aquaman. Emerging 24 years before the first issue of the X-Men series, Namor made his debut in Marvel Comics in 1939 as the very first true mutant. His origins are rooted in the ocean, which places him well before DC’s Aquaman. He is a mutant, a oceaniac, before the Fantastic Four or the X-Men were even conceived.
Namor is notorious for being far from a hero. In typical Marvel fashion, he often quips and shows snide comments, displaying his reluctance to be a true savior. His known mischievous behavior includes frequently sabotaging ships and attempting to seduce other characters’ girlfriends—most notoriously Sue Storm of the Fantastic Four. One of the vast differences between Namor and Aquaman is that Namor doesn’t care whether humans see him as a hero or a villain. He cares about the ocean first and foremost, as evidenced by his actions in battles against Nazi forces during World War II.
Namor's Potential as a Film Star
The character of Namor is a complex mix of motivations and perspectives, especially in his relationship with humanity. His background as a warrior of the sea who uses his position and power to protect the ocean is a potential strength for a film. The fact that he's tied to the Fantastic Four license has somewhat restricted his path to the MCU, but that doesn’t diminish his appeal as a potential film character. In fact, having the character options for Namor back, Universal Studios was eager to license him, showcasing his immense potential for cinematic exploration. Feige mentioned his interest in Namor during Phase 1 of the MCU, with many speculating that lack of connection to the Fantastic Four was the reason he hasn’t moved forward.
Feige has a history of surprising audiences, especially with casting choices and storytelling. It’s possible that Marvel could surprise us with a well-known actor that no one would have expected to play Namor, a role that’s both iconic and unconventional. However, as of now, there hasn’t been any discussion or plans for a Namor movie in either the MCU or any standalone options, which makes it uncertain.
Aquaman: A More Immediate Choice
Aquaman is a firm choice for many, and there are a few reasons why. Firstly, there is a definite release date for an Aquaman movie. The Justice League film showcased the potential for an Aquaman-led film, and with Jason Momoa’s performance in Stargate Atlantis, fans remember his character, Ronon Dex, which left much to be desired in terms of character development. In contrast, Momoa’s Aquaman in the DCEU has been a stand-alone hero, which has garnered more positive reviews. While there’s a possibility of someone surprising us with a casting and direction approach that could make a Namor movie interesting, the immediate release of an Aquaman film makes it a more certain option right now.
Given the recent success of standalone superhero films, and the known and appreciated character development of Aquaman, his film seems a safer and more plausible release in the near future. However, the appeal of featuring a character with such different motivations and relationships with humanity, as seen in Namor, cannot be overlooked. Marvel’s Stargate and Guardians of the Galaxy series have shown that their ability to craft compelling stories and integrate lesser-known characters into the larger narrative can only enhance the film-going experience.
Ultimately, while the possibility and potential of a Namor film are intriguing, the immediacy and certainty of an Aquaman film release might make the decision a simpler one for many fans.
If you’re a fan of the Heroic Age and the rich backstory of Namor, then it might be worth staying tuned for updates from Marvel Studios. If you’re looking for a movie with a well-established timeline and character, then Aquaman is certainly a more immediate and familiar choice.