Avengers: Doomsday is set to feature one of the most extensive casts in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which raises intriguing questions about how the film will portray the complex relationship between Sue Storm and Namor the Sub-Mariner. With numerous confirmed characters in the lineup, the potential for exploring specific dynamics looks limited, leading to concerns that some key character interactions from the comics might be underdeveloped or omitted altogether.
Romantic elements have historically not been a highlight in the MCU. While some relationships, like that of Peter Parker and Mary Jane, or Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, have been effectively portrayed, the franchise has often shied away from depicting deep intimacy and passion in relationships. Notably, the first onscreen sex scene appeared in Eternals, a film that received lukewarm reviews. This context heightens my curiosity regarding how the MCU will handle the potentially controversial dynamics between Sue and Namor.
Sue Storm & Namor Confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday
Vanessa Kirby & Tenoch Huerta Join the Cast
In a recent live stream, Marvel officially disclosed the cast for Avengers: Doomsday, revealing familiar faces like Pedro Pascal and Sebastian Stan, alongside some surprises. Among these is Tenoch Huerta, who reprises his role as Namor from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His return was uncertain in light of recent allegations, but his participation in Doomsday has now been confirmed.
Veteran actress Vanessa Kirby, known for her roles in The Crown and Mission: Impossible – Fallout, has also been announced for Doomsday. She is slated to make her debut in the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, sharing the screen with co-stars Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn. The involvement of these characters hints at their significant roles in the overarching narrative of the Multiverse Saga.
The Significance of Sue Storm & Namor’s MCU Connection
A History of Complicated Stories
Namor is one of Marvel’s most iconic characters, with a legacy that dates back to the very first stories of the Fantastic Four, namely Fantastic Four #4 from 1962. In the comics, Namor’s complex relationship with Sue Storm often vacillates between admiration and destructive obsession. Although Sue is dedicated to Reed Richards, she feels conflicted about her attraction to Namor, which leads to complicated narrative arcs where her commitment is tested.
This pattern continues in various storylines, where Namor’s infatuation becomes increasingly volatile. His jealousy can escalate into threatening behavior, creating dangerous situations for Sue and those she loves. The portrayal of these dynamics has become problematic over time, raising questions about their appropriateness in modern storytelling.
Anticipating the MCU’s Take on Namor & Sue Storm
Reimagining Iconic Characters
It seems unlikely the MCU will replicate the same dynamics between Sue Storm and Namor as seen in the comics. Sue’s established relationship with Reed, coupled with her pregnancy in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, suggests the film will focus on their family rather than romantic entanglements elsewhere. Although Namor may still feel attracted to Sue, the version introduced in Wakanda Forever appears to be too principled to pursue anything that disrupts Sue’s family. This shift acknowledges that the traditional portrayal is outdated and doesn’t resonate with contemporary audiences.
In Doomsday, we may see a new, refreshing dynamic between Namor and Sue. They could possibly develop a friendship or experience a hint of romantic tension, but it is unlikely the film will subscribe strictly to outdated comic book narratives. Positioning Sue merely as an object of desire for Namor would feel both cliché and antiquated, and the MCU has shown a willingness to adapt stories to better align with modern values.
Regardless of how their dynamic evolves, I am genuinely excited about the prospects of seeing them together in Avengers: Doomsday. Namor has quickly become one of my favorite new characters in the MCU, and showcasing him alongside established figures from the comics provides a fantastic opportunity for storytelling, even as new relationships are formed. By refreshing these narratives, Avengers: Doomsday has the potential to be something truly remarkable and innovative.