Why is Namor so weak in Wakanda Forever?

The hype vs. the reality: what happened?

When Namor was first teased for Wakanda Forever, fans got seriously hyped. The Sub-Mariner, Marvel’s OG anti-hero, is a beast in the comics—stronger than most Avengers, ruler of the oceans, and nearly indestructible. So... why did he seem kinda underwhelming in the movie?

Let’s not sugarcoat it: in Wakanda Forever, Namor doesn’t exactly come off as the powerhouse he should be. Sure, he has his moments—taking on the Wakandans almost solo at times—but overall, it feels like he got nerfed. Let’s break down why.

Narrative constraints: balancing power levels

He couldn’t outshine the Black Panther

Let’s be real here—this is still a Black Panther movie. Marvel couldn’t let Namor completely dominate, or else the title hero (Shuri) would’ve been overshadowed. That’s just storytelling logic. In fact, some fans say Namor felt like a stepping stone more than a true threat. Whether that’s fair or not is up for debate, but the script clearly needed him to be beatable.

Too strong = boring?

There’s this weird paradox in superhero films: if the villain is too powerful, it kills the tension. Remember how Thanos had to lose the gauntlet at just the right time? Same kind of thing. Namor can lift 100 tons in the comics, but in the movie he’s getting stunned by tech blasts and slashed by a spear? Meh.

Still, Marvel probably toned him down to keep things "balanced." (But honestly? They went a bit too far.)

The dehydration thing: clever or convenient?

A power source tied to water

Namor’s whole strength is apparently connected to being hydrated—he literally gets weaker the longer he’s out of water. That’s kind of new. In the comics, he’s stronger in water, sure, but not this vulnerable on land. The movie makes it a core plot point—Shuri dehydrates him to beat him. Smart tactic, but...

It felt a little forced. Like a weakness created just for the sake of giving the hero a shot. It also makes Namor look less like a god and more like... a glorified fish. And that’s a bit of a shame.

Realistic limitation or plot device?

Some folks argue this gives Namor “realistic” limitations. Maybe. But it also raises questions: why leave the ocean in the first place if you're gonna dry out in 10 minutes? Why not carry a water tank or wear some kind of hydrating suit?

See what I mean? It’s shaky logic. (Cool visuals, though.)

Behind-the-scenes reasons?

Budget, VFX, and pacing

Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room—Marvel had a lot to juggle in this film. Between honoring Chadwick Boseman, introducing Ironheart, developing Shuri, and world-building Talokan, Namor didn’t get enough solo time to shine.

Some scenes felt rushed. Others were clearly cut short (probably for runtime). There’s a version of this movie where Namor is terrifying. This one just ain’t it.

Political messaging?

Maybe Marvel didn’t want to make him too evil. He’s an antagonist, sure, but not a villain-villain. So they softened him. Gave him that tragic backstory, made him kinda sympathetic. That’s great for depth, but... not so great for threat level. You end up with a dude who talks big, but doesn’t quite deliver on the punch.

The comic book Namor vs. MCU Namor

Let’s be super clear: comic Namor would never.

He’s arrogant, brutal, and can go toe-to-toe with Hulk and Thor on a good day. He’s flooded Wakanda before (brutally). The guy is basically the ocean’s version of Magneto.

MCU Namor? More nuanced. More cultural depth. But less raw power. And yeah, that bugs some longtime fans.

So why is Namor so weak in Wakanda Forever?
A mix of narrative balance, new vulnerabilities, runtime limitations, and maybe a touch of studio caution. The good news? He’s still alive. And if Marvel wants to, they can easily power him up in future films.

Let’s just hope they let him off the leash next time.

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