You’re Not Supposed To Know What Namor’s Imperius Rex Means

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever used Namor’s “Imperius Rex” catchphrase but didn’t explain it. Here’s why its true meaning should never be revealed.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever didn’t offer a proper explanation for Namor’s “Imperius Rex” line, nor did the movie really need one. Considering that “Imperius Rex” has been the Sub-Mariner’s catchphrase for more than half a century, it was assumed that Namor’s highly-anticipated MCU debut would find room for at least one mention of it. And, true to those expectations, Black Panther 2 did indeed include a scene where Tenoch Huerta’s character finally used Namor’s most famous line.

When bringing the Avenging Son to life on the big screen, Marvel made significant changes to his cultural roots and origin story but retained several key elements from the source material. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever confirmed that the MCU’s Namor the Sub-Mariner shares his comic book counterpart’s mutant heritage, ankle-wings, Hulk-level super strength, and of course, his massive ego. Not only that, but Namor even spoke the words, “Imperius Rex“, a phrase commonly used by the comic character typically before a fight or during a moment of excitement.

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Why The Meaning Of Imperius Rex Isn’t Important

Said aloud in a speech made by Namor, “Imperius Rex” line was taken as a bit of head-scratching moment. In spite of it being Namor’s most famous quote in Marvel Comics, the movie didn’t assign any true meaning to it, leaving the two words with no in-canon translation. But in light of the catchphrase’s history in the comic books, the decision not to explain it shouldn’t come as a surprise. In fact, confusion surrounding “Imperius Rex” dates all the way back to the 1960s. When comic writers like Stan Lee began using it regularly in comics like Namor the Sub-Mariner, Fantastic Four, and Defenders, it became the subject of numerous questions asked by readers in the letter pages at the back of the comics. In response to one fan question in Tales to Astonish #79, for instance, Lee joked that no one at Marvel actually knew the answer.

How it was utilized in the comics and writers’ tendency to demur when asked about it underscores why it’s true meaning has never been important. The two words, which translate roughly to “Imperial King” in Latin, serve as a rousing battle cry in Marvel Comics that perfectly rolls off the tongue. It has sort of a regal sound to it that fits well with the dialogue of a prideful king like the Sub-Mariner. Since its significance was usually hinted at by the context, it wasn’t necessary for Marvel to go any deeper into it. The same applies to Black Panther 2’s usage of the term.

How The MCU Can Still Improve Namor’s Imperius Rex Catchphrase

While Black Panther 2’s ambiguity toward “Imperius Rex” is consistent with the approach taken by the comic books, Marvel still has ways of improving it in Namor’s future MCU appearances. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s inclusion of the term was underwhelming due to the fact that it was hidden in the subtitles and not clearly articulated in the movie. A furious shout of “Imperius Rex” as Namor charges into battle against another MCU character would give the iconic Marvel Comics catchphrase the attention and emotional depth it deserves.

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