Tenoch Huerta’s confirmed return as Namor in Avengers: Doomsday has reignited discussions about Marvel Studios’ handling of actor controversies. The casting announcement came via a live stream on Marvel’s YouTube channel on March 26, 2025, which gradually unveiled the film’s expanding ensemble.
Huerta, who debuted as Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2022, was included alongside Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
However, some fans have expressed concern over Huerta’s inclusion.
In 2023, he was accused of sexual assault by musician Maria Elena Ríos, an allegation Huerta denied in a statement to The Los Angeles Times. Since then, no additional accusations or legal actions have followed. His reappearance in the MCU has sparked comparisons to Jonathan Majors, who was removed from his role as Kang after being found guilty of second-degree harassment and assault.
“allegations ruin men’s lives” an acid attack survivor accused tenoch huerta of sexually assaulting her and they’re putting him in another marvel movie https://t.co/ERzueV44bJ
— 🧸💬 (@zeglian) March 26, 2025
So no Tom Holland, no Elizabeth Olsen, no MANY IMPORTANT PEOPLE but there is mf Tenoch Huerta what a joke 🫠 https://t.co/nLFjcnjMT5
— jenn misses Woodz 💕 (@jenn_dnwm) March 27, 2025
The backlash raises questions about Marvel’s consistency in addressing allegations and convictions involving cast members. Majors was originally set to be the central villain of the next Avengers instalment, but his role has now shifted to Robert Downey Jr., who will portray Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
The film is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo and is scheduled for release in US cinemas on 1 May 2026. It will be followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on 7 May 2027 and Spider-Man 4 on 31 July 2026.
