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Introducing Tenoch Huerta.
With the release ofBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, the Mexico-born actor is turning heads thanks to his captivating portrayal of Namor.
Although the character makes his MCU debut in the superhero film, Namor was first established in Bill Everett’s eight-page origin story that appeared inMotion Picture Funnies Weeklyin 1939.
Now, newcomer Huerta is bringing the role to life inRyan Coogler’sBlack Panthersequel.
“He’s got really unique features and thingsthat don’t necessarily go together,” Coogler toldEntertainment Weeklyof the mutant. “He can breathe underwater, obviously, but he’s got these little wings on his ankles. He’s got pointy ears and walks around in his underwear. It’s all fun, man.”
Between how he prepared for the role and where you’ve seen him prior to theBlack Panthersequel, here’s everything to know about Huerta.
He was born and raised in Mexico
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Born and raised in Mexico,Black Panther 2marks one of the actor’s first major films in the United States, a project he was drawn to in part due to the “representation” within the “narrative,” he toldGQ Mexico.
Since he entered the film industry professionally in 2006, the idea of inclusion has been a major factor in which roles he takes on. “I come from the hood, seriously.Andthanks to inclusion, I’m here,” he said at San Diego Comic-Con.
Huerta added: “I wouldn’t be here without inclusion. A lot of us kids out there in their hoods are looking at us, dreaming to be here, and they’re gonna make it! They’re gonna make it.”
Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverisn’t his first big role
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Though his role in theBlack Panthersequel has gained him a massive following globally, Huerta is already well-known for some of his films in Latin America and Spain.
He learned how to swim for his role inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever
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Huerta’s character inBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverspends a lot of time underwater; therefore, swimming was a big part of the role, a skill the actor didn’t have prior to filming.
“Before making this movie,I didn’t know how to swim,” Huerta told Michael Strahan during an interview onGood Morning America. Despite his unfamiliarity, he learned how to swim, telling the host, it’s something he “feels proud” of doing. In fact, he revealed that he can now hold his breath for five minutes long!
He’s also an author
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In addition to actor, Huerta can soon add “author” to his already impressive resume. As a spokesman for the anti-racist debate in Mexico, Huertareflects “on racism and classism in Mexico"in the pages ofOrgullo Prieto, translating toBrown Pride.The book is set to be released on Dec. 13.
He’s a father
Tenoch Huerta/Instagram
While the actor keeps his personal life fairly private, he oftenposts photos of his family on Instagram, penning sweet tributes to them on his profile.
During the New York screening ofBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, Huerta opened up to PEOPLE about his daughters as he discussed how the film empowers women. “I have two girls. One is two and a half [and] the other is nine. It’s a great experience and I feel really blessed with this new representation and the new role that women are taking in movies, in politics, in the academy, science everywhere,” he explained.
source: people.com
