Mexican actor Tenoch Huerta was interviewed with NBC News to discuss his part in the culturally rich Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Praising the film for how it amplifies Black and brown voices through strong and accurate representation, Huerta said the film based around an African superhero also nails Mesoamerican culture for his character Namor.
“In Latin America, especially Mexico, we have a lack of representation,” he stated, describing television in his native country as looking “Scandinavian” – predominantly white with European features. He explained, “All the people are white on TV or in the ads one sees on the street,” However, his role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is as Namor, the leader of the rivaling Talokan kingdom that exists underwater in juxtaposition to Wakanda. The newly introduced people carry strong influences on Mayan and Aztec culture.
“When they decide to give this background to Namor, you know, this new background — Mesoamerican culture, especially Mayan culture — I think they nailed it,” Huerta expressed. “Because it’s the right moment to do it in a way, on the one hand, and on the other hand, it’s important for many people, especially kids. It’s a way to say, ‘Eh, there’s nothing wrong with you. You should be proud of who you are. And the melanin in your skin…it’s OK, and it’s beautiful.’”
“Especially right now, we need to identify with each other and embrace each other,” He said about marginalized communities. “You know, just keep going.” The film’s plot tackles Wakandans and Talokans in conflict with not just one another but also the outside world that seeks to take advantage of their resources. The film deals with themes of grief, colonialism, culture and identity – all while maintaining the blockbuster scale of a Marvel film.
Tenoch Huerta’s other credits include Narcos: Mexico as Rafael Caro Quintero and The Forever Purge as Juan; however, his role as Namor in the Black Panther sequel is one of his biggest yet.
