I have said it before, I’ll say it again: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Tenoch Huerta does not need me to defend his honour, but I will do it regardless. I just think he’s neat. A nice guy. A cool dude. And, in a recent interview that he did while in Mexico City with the luchador Golden Scorpion, Huerta opened up about being a part of the Marvel universe, representation, and what it means to be a recognised Mexican actor.
Then, towards the end of the interview (around 56:00, if you want to skip ahead) Scorpion drives Huerta to a mural that some folks painted in Huerta’s honour, using one of the photos taken of him at San Diego Comic-Con. Scorpion points out the jaguar and the Quetzalcóatl. Huerta is stunned. He laughs and wipes away tears.
“This is more valuable than a fucking Oscar,” he said, unable to look away. “It’s worth more.” (It must be said that my colleague and friend, Angely Mercado, a fellow Tenoch Huerta enjoyer, translated his words upon seeing this fan tribute.) Heurta is playing the anti-hero Namor in the upcoming Black Panther sequel directed by Ryan Coogler.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will release in theatres on November 11.
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