The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to captivate audiences with its latest development: Tenoch Huerta Mejía is officially joining Avengers: Doomsday as Namor, the formidable anti-hero first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This casting was confirmed during a live video on March 26, 2025, hosted by Marvel Entertainment, where a list of 27 actors was gradually revealed. While the announcement included a diverse range of talent from across Marvel’s cinematic history, Huerta’s involvement has prompted mixed reactions, largely due to his past.
The Shadow of Controversy Surrounding Tenoch Huerta
Huerta’s casting as Namor comes with a layer of controversy. In 2023, the actor faced accusations of sexual assault from Maria Elena Ríos, which he denied in a statement to The Los Angeles Times. Since then, no additional allegations have surfaced. However, the accusations have continued to resonate with some members of the fandom, leading to comparisons with the case of Jonathan Majors. Majors, who was initially set to play the central antagonist Kang, was removed from his role after legal issues and allegations surfaced. While some are questioning the decision to bring Huerta back, others remain focused on his compelling portrayal of Namor, which was one of the standout features of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Reactions and What’s Next for Avengers: Doomsday
Despite the controversy, many MCU fans are eager for Huerta’s return as Namor. Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be an extraordinary film, with a diverse cast that includes returning stars such as Chris Hemsworth, Letitia Wright, and Paul Rudd, alongside newcomers like Florence Pugh and Simu Liu. Among the new additions, Huerta’s Namor has generated particular interest. His portrayal of the character, with its roots in Maya culture and the underwater kingdom of Talokan, has been widely praised, and fans are curious to see how his role will evolve in this much-anticipated chapter of the MCU.
Avengers: Doomsday is set for release in theaters on May 1, 2026. It will be followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027, and Spider-Man 4 on July 31, 2026. As the MCU continues to expand and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the ongoing conversations about Huerta’s casting shape audience perceptions of this new era in the franchise.
Huerta's return as Namor was highlighted during a live broadcast by Disney, where the names of the actors participating in Avengers: Doomsday were revealed. Chris Hemsworth will reprise his role as Thor, while Anthony Mackie returns as Sam Wilson, now Captain America. Sebastian Stan will also return as Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, and Paul Rudd will once again portray Scott Lang, also known as Ant-Man. The excitement surrounding this film is palpable, especially with the inclusion of iconic characters from the X-Men franchise.
Among the new cast members, Ebon Moss-Bachrach will play Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, and Vanessa Kirby will portray Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman. The return of these beloved characters adds another layer of anticipation for fans eagerly awaiting the film.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his resurgence in the MCU, Huerta's journey has been marred by controversy. The allegations made against him by saxophonist María Elena Ríos in 2023 have lingered in the public's mind. Ríos accused Huerta of practicing stealthing, a form of sexual violence involving the non-consensual removal of a condom during intercourse. Huerta has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that their relationship was consensual. In his defense, he claimed to have evidence that Ríos attempted to extort him following their breakup.
These accusations led to a temporary halt in some of Huerta's projects, including his role in the film Fiesta en la Madriguera. However, he remained active in the industry, appearing in the recent adaptation of Pedro Páramo, directed by Rodrigo Prieto. His performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever solidified his reputation as a talented actor capable of portraying complex characters.
Huerta's advocacy against racism in the entertainment industry has also drawn both support and criticism. He has emerged as a vocal proponent for the representation of actors with darker skin tones in Mexican cinema and Hollywood. His efforts to address these issues have established him as a significant figure in the ongoing conversation about diversity in film.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite the challenges he has faced, Tenoch Huerta remains a prominent figure in Latin American cinema. His role as Namor in the MCU has the potential to elevate his career to new heights, further solidifying his place in Hollywood. As the anticipation builds for Avengers: Doomsday, fans are eager to see how Huerta's character will develop and what new dynamics will emerge within the MCU.
With the film's release just around the corner, the excitement surrounding its cast and storyline promises to reignite the magic that captivated audiences during the franchise's earlier successes. As Marvel prepares to unveil its next chapter, all eyes will be on Tenoch Huerta and his portrayal of Namor, a character that has already made a significant impact in the Marvel universe.
As Marvel Studios gears up for the launch of Avengers: Doomsday, the stakes are high, not just for the franchise but also for Huerta, whose journey reflects the complexities of navigating fame, controversy, and artistic expression in today's world. The film is expected to be a watershed moment for the MCU, and Huerta's involvement is sure to be a focal point of discussion among fans and critics alike.
In the end, Tenoch Huerta's return to the MCU is more than just a casting announcement; it represents a pivotal moment in his career, one that could redefine his legacy in the entertainment industry.
