Tenoch Huerta, who plays Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, discusses the potential romance between his character and Letitia Wright's Shuri.
With the death of King T'Challa, the country of Wakanda must contend with Namor and his underwater realm of Talokan in this sequel to Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed 2018 film, Black Panther.
Shuri assumes the Black Panther mantle in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and she soon comes into conflict with Namor and his forceful methods for protecting Wakanda.
The film has been well received by reviewers and moviegoers alike, with many praising Huerta's nuanced turn as the MCU's newest foe.
Huerta addresses whether or not there are romantic undertones to the relationship between Shuri and Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in a recent interview with Rolling Stone.
Despite being at odds for the most of the film, Namor and Shuri appear to finally understand one other during a scene in which they go to Talokan.
It's been speculated by fans that these two characters have love affections for one another, but Huerta isn't persuaded.
Read Huerta's whole remarks down below:
"My impression is that it wasn't a romantic gesture on their part.
More of a human, personal touch, if you ask me.
I mean they have the same origin in the history of their kingdoms and their peoples, and the same source of danger.
Vibranium, a natural resource, puts them both in danger from Western powers like the United States and France.
They're similar in that respect, at least, my opinion.
If you meet someone and hit it off, it doesn't matter if they're your preferred gender or not; your connection with them will always be unclear.
This occurs naturally.
We may safely assume that it is human.
Consequently, I believe that this is what transpired with both of them.
If it's possible for it to develop into something romantic.
To be honest, I have no idea.
Nothing of the kind was intended.
Something like that might occur, but it might not.
The best aspect about this connection is that it doesn't have to be romantic to be meaningful.
Beautiful, bright, and intimate may exist without romance.
An intimate relationship isn't the only possible outcome of a man and a woman connecting on several levels.
That's so lovely, you have any idea?
Simply put, I can't stand romantic love.
If I had to guess, I'd say it's poison.
There's something they make up with these people...
I have no idea.
Even though it was enchanting, I wouldn't call it romantic."
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's success raises hopes for a Black Panther 3, but whether or not that film will actually be made remains to be seen.
Given that the film ends with Shuri accepting her loss and becoming the new Black Panther, it's possible that she'll find love in one of her future appearances.
Namor's future in the MCU is up in the air, but his relationship with Shuri, whatever its nature, could be explored further in either Black Panther 3 or another MCU film entirely.
