Alright, Marvel fans, let’s talk about something important, Kamar de Los Reyes, the man, the legend. He is playing the first Puerto Rican superhero in the MCU, and the first Latino superhero in U.S. comic book history, White Tiger! If that wasn’t enough, this was also his final role before his tragic passing in late 2023 after a battle with cancer.
He was an incredibly talented actor best known for his role as Antonio Vega on One Life to Live and for lending his voice to Call of Duty: Black Ops II as the unforgettable villain, Raul Menendez.
Now, here’s the thing, we’ve seen how Marvel handled Chadwick Boseman’s death by passing down the Black Panther mantle to Shuri instead of recasting T’Challa. And while some found that decision was controversial, it was ultimately done out of love and respect for Chadwick’s legacy. But we gotta ask, is Kevin Feige about to do the same thing with White Tiger?
White Tiger is too important to lose
Look, representation in the MCU is still a work in progress. We just got Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and now White Tiger is about to bring in some much-needed Puerto Rican pride. This isn’t just about another hero in spandex, it’s about legacy. White Tiger, aka Hector Ayala, is a historic character.
We’re talking about a hero who debuted in 1975, making history as the first Latino superhero in mainstream American comics. And after all these years, he’s finally making his MCU debut… and now we’re worried Marvel might replace Hector with Ava similar to how Shuri replaced T’Challa.
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White Tiger didn’t even get a chance to properly hold the torch before we start thinking about the next generation. Marvel has an opportunity here to honor Reyes’s work and keep White Tiger in the game. Hector Ayala deserves to have his story continue, whether through a recast or some creative storytelling.
Kamar de Los Reyes’ family honored his work at the Daredevil: Born Again premiere
Amid all the debates about White Tiger’s future, let’s take a moment to appreciate Kamar de Los Reyes’ incredible family. His wife, actress Sherri Saum best known for The Fosters and Good Trouble, and their children attended the Daredevil: Born Again premiere, honoring Reyes’s final performance.
Reyes was more than just an actor, he was a husband, a father, and an inspiration to so many. His wife and kids proudly carried his memory at the premiere, reminding us all that his impact goes beyond the screen.
Seeing them there was both heartbreaking and beautiful because, let’s be honest, Reyes should have been there himself, basking in the glory of finally bringing the White Tiger to life.
Daredevil: Born Again will be released on March 4, 2025.
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