Aquaman Swims Into His Own WB Series

by | November 14, 2005 | Comments

OK, so it’s not exactly movie news, but it’s about Aquaman, so I figure it’s geeky enough to warrant mentioning. "Smallville" fans will recall that a young version of the Aquaman character appeared on the series a few weeks ago, and apparently someone at the WB was impressed with what he saw. "Smallville" creators Miles Millar & Alfred Gough have since been tapped to bring an all-new Aquaman series to network TV.

From Variety: "Scribe-producers Al Gough and Miles Millar ("Spider-Man 2") have signed on to create and exec produce an as-yet-untitled action drama revolving around a twentysomething Arthur Curry, aka Aquaman.

As with "Smallville," their successful reinvention of the "Superman" saga, Gough and Millar plan to focus on character rather than cheese. Skein won’t be called "Aquaman" — indeed, the "A" word won’t even be mentioned — and Curry "won’t be talking to fish or riding a seahorse," Gough said.

And while "Smallville" recently generated great ratings with an episode featuring an appearance by Aquaman, the new project won’t be a spinoff. To underline that point, Alan Ritchson, the actor who played Curry on "Smallville," isn’t under consideration for the role in the pilot.

"He did a wonderful job on the show, but this is going to be a different version of the ‘Aquaman’ legend," Gough said. The pilot "will be different than what you saw on ‘Smallville.’ That was our out-of-town trial version."

Unlike Clark Kent, Curry is a more extroverted character, even a bit cocky and hotheaded at times, the two producers said.

As for plots, "The stories will come from the environment: ocean polluters, evil oil companies and other (threats to the) environment," Gough said. Skein will be set — and possibly lensed — in the Florida Keys, not far from the Bermuda Triangle, which will be another major story engine.

"There’s a mystery surrounding the disappearance of (Curry’s) mother and the Bermuda Triangle," Gough said, adding that other freaky occurrences related to the Triangle will provide plot points.

Curry will have some superpowers, though he’s just beginning to understand them. He’ll be able to breathe underwater and have superstrength in water; even a little bit of water will boost his power, allowing producers to explore some plots on land.

Character’s adopted father will be an officer in the Coast Guard, and he’ll also have a mentor who’ll help train him, the producers said.