Live Action Aquaman to come to TV - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Charlatan · 11-14-2005, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Smallville duo float fishy tale for WB

A 64-year-old DC Comics character is set to be the latest from the publisher's superhero stable to make the leap to the small screen, courtesy of the team behind Smallville.

A new live-action sci-fi drama based on the Aquaman character is being piloted on the WB Network in the US, with Smallville's executive producers, Miles Millar and Alfred Gough, attached. Shooting begins in Florida next year.

The contemporary show will follow the adventures of a 20-something Man From Atlantis-style crime-buster, who lives underwater and has various marine creatures aiding him in his fight against perps.

The pilot, going through Warner Bros TV, underscores the fact that science fiction, particularly with a water theme, is still the flavour of the month on US networks, following the success of Lost and the series it spawned, such as Threshold (CBS) and Surface (NBC).

News of WB Network's pilot also follows the appearance of a mysterious Aquaman-esque character in the October 20 episode of Smallville, which became the most-watched of the show's season so far, with nearly 6.5 million viewers.

The character was played by Alan Ritchson, but Millar and Gough will be looking for a new actor to star in the Aquaman pilot, which will follow the exiled king of Atlantis, abandoned as a child and raised by dolphins.

Warner Bros subsidiary DC Comics introduced Aquaman in 1941.

Ed Waller
14 Nov 2005
© C21 Media 2005

I don't know about this... yes, Aquaman was the hottest of all the Justice League men but let's face it, he was also one of the lamest. All I can think of is the series (that most of you won't remember) The Man From Atlantis, starring Patrick Duffy (IMDB Link

Still, the Smallville team seems to know what they are doing, here's hoping they can make this cool.

maleficent · 11-14-2005, 09:04 AM

Sadly, I remember man from atlantis...

Aquaman really didn't do much of anything... other than communicate telepathically with the fishies...

I can see him as an environmental crusader but not much more than that....

maybe if wonder woman showed up as his love interest...

guthmund · 11-14-2005, 11:57 AM

Hundreds of other superheroes to choose from and they choose Aquaman?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mal

I can see him as an environmental crusader but not much more than that....

How far do you think they can drag that storyline?

Yea! I talk to fish and beat up on polluters....well, that's about it. See you next week when I talk to fish and beat up on polluters?

Val_1 · 11-14-2005, 06:51 PM

Wow, didn't see this one coming. Yeah, Aquaman ... sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen. Out of all the comics out there, Aquaman isn't one I'd pick for a series.

But, Man From Atlantis was my favorite show when I was 5. So, I don't know if it was actually any good or not, but it did something for my imagination at the time. Funny, I've never learned how to swim. Been kind of afraid of the water since I almost drowned at 4.

KellyC · 11-14-2005, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guthmund

How far do you think they can drag that storyline?

Yea! I talk to fish and beat up on polluters....well, that's about it. See you next week when I talk to fish and beat up on polluters?

Remember Captain Planet? That had quite a run.

"The power is yours!!"

aberkok · 11-14-2005, 09:03 PM

I just read a fantastic article, actually more of an essay on Aquaman and the direction the character is taking. Link
An excerpt:

Quote:

I felt it necessary to write this article because the problem with Aquaman is really reflective of a larger problem in our culture. We are constantly leaping forward without first looking back. If you run out the door too quickly you may forget to put your underwear on, or you might even accidentally put them on the outside of your trousers, pants, or jeans, and wouldn’t that be silly. The point is that America has a dynamically rich culture for such a young nation. We have been blessed with some of the most creative and inventive minds in history. Let’s not forget to consider what they have offered, before we slap the latest trend across their work. Just because we are presently creating something, with perhaps more advanced tools, more money, or more people involved—doesn’t mean we’ll automatically do a better job. If we ignore our roots we might forget why we create in the first place, mostly because we were inspired once upon a time by something magical.

highthief · 11-15-2005, 09:34 AM

Got to admit I'd rank Aquaman as about the most unlikley DC character to get a show - so many others to choose from and they go with the fish guy. I doubt this will ever air.

guthmund · 11-15-2005, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KellyC

Remember Captain Planet? That had quite a run.

"The power is yours!!"

Too true. Too true.

I always thought TBS kept Captain Planet on because they just didn't have anything else to put in the timeslot. I mean, how many more times a day can you run old episodes of Saved by the Bell?

The article was interesting, but still reeks of.... I don't know what it is exactly. It seems like the ol' boy fell in love with the original Aquaman and that's that. Nothing that could ever be done with Aquaman is going to be good enough unless he's sporting the bright orange shirt, green tights and blonde Adonis good looks.

Case in point...

Quote:

I was once asked what I would do if I wrote Aquaman. The answer was simple. He would be King, I said, and never not King. I would make him love his wife with all the passion of the seven seas. I would make him shave with a sharp clamshell and cut his hair with a scuba knife, and I would send him on adventures seasoned with the imagination and mystery of the ocean, but most importantly I would make him command the @#$% fish.

So, as long as he superhero blando, all is right with the world?

The only way...the only way that Aquaman is going to be successful is if you downplay his superhero powers. Certainly not get rid of them, but keep them on the back burner and use them sparingly (not that that would be hard...talk to fish?!?). Super powers do not a super story make. Does that make sense? The beauty of Batman is not that he's a high flying vigilante dressed up in a cape (although that's pretty cool

), it's the fact that he's just as screwed up as the rest of us. He's got his inner demons. Superman wouldn't be Superman if he didn't want to be Clark Kent so badly.

Is that a bit clearer?

Big Television is just following the trend. Spiderman 1, 2 and 3 in the works, Sin City, a new Batman movie, a sequel in the works, a new Superman movie and a successful series on the WB. To be perfectly honest, I imagine Aquaman was the 'biggest' comic/cartoon character they could grab without causing a whole lot of trouble.

maleficent · 11-15-2005, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guthmund

I mean, how many more times a day can you run old episodes of Saved by the Bell?

I do believe that Saved by the bell got a lot of boys thru puberty

So I'm guessing they could run a lot of episodes

Charlatan · 11-15-2005, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guthmund

Too true. Too true.

I always thought TBS kept Captain Planet on because they just didn't have anything else to put in the timeslot. I mean, how many more times a day can you run old episodes of Saved by the Bell?

I believe the real reason they kept Captain Planet on the air was that the show was Ted Turner's idea to begin with... When you run and own your own channel you get to put what you want on the air.

guthmund · 11-15-2005, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

I believe the real reason they kept Captain Planet on the air was that the show was Ted Turner's idea to begin with... When you run and own your own channel you get to put what you want on the air.

Hmm. I didn't know that was his idea. Well, then, you're probably right, no?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mal

I do believe that Saved by the bell got a lot of boys thru puberty So I'm guessing they could run a lot of episodes

Willravel · 11-15-2005, 11:02 AM

Why not just make a show about Green Lantern? He's a decent DC character. Shoot, I'd rather watch a show about Marvel characters. I'd watch Silver Surfer or Captian America.

highthief · 11-15-2005, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel

Why not just make a show about Green Lantern? He's a decent DC character. Shoot, I'd rather watch a show about Marvel characters. I'd watch Silver Surfer or Captian America.

Ever see the Captain America movie?

Charlatan · 11-15-2005, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highthief

Ever see the Captain America movie?

Sure it sucked but imagine a Captain America series as envisioned by the guys who did Smallville... now that just might be cool.

Willravel · 11-15-2005, 02:56 PM

I'd like to get some of the writers from the Daily Show on a Captian America to just shower in some random liberalism every once in a while. But alas, that's not gonna happen.

highthief · 11-15-2005, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

Sure it sucked but imagine a Captain America series as envisioned by the guys who did Smallville... now that just might be cool.

As I don't much like Smallville, I can't agree with you there!

I have yet to hear anyone - even on the hardcore comic websites - think this is a really great idea. If the comic fans aren't interested, how likely is anyone else to be?

Charlatan · 11-15-2005, 04:53 PM

I don't think it's a good idea...

I like Smallville, I think it is a good take on an old saw.

Slyboots · 11-15-2005, 04:58 PM

If I do remember correctly, aquaman has super strenght too. I remember reading something along the lines that he gained it since there wasn't any pressure on land or something like that. And lets not forget the new aquaman with his magic hook thing.

Moskie · 11-15-2005, 08:32 PM

weren't there rumors going around about a series revolving a young Bruce Wayne? That might have been long time ago, though... but man, it could be great series. Starts with him turning 18 and trying to take hold the reins of Wayne Enterprises, while doing some vigilante work on the side. how awesome would that be?

or maybe i'm just a big nerd

highthief · 11-16-2005, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slyboots

If I do remember correctly, aquaman has super strenght too. I remember reading something along the lines that he gained it since there wasn't any pressure on land or something like that. And lets not forget the new aquaman with his magic hook thing.

Don't think he has the hook anymore - back to orange shirts and ah, I dunno, a water hand or something?

pocon1 · 11-16-2005, 09:42 PM

nothing to say

Willravel · 11-16-2005, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moskie

weren't there rumors going around about a series revolving a young Bruce Wayne? That might have been long time ago, though... but man, it could be great series. Starts with him turning 18 and trying to take hold the reins of Wayne Enterprises, while doing some vigilante work on the side. how awesome would that be?

or maybe i'm just a big nerd

Yeah, sorry about that. It was me. Back years ago on thewb.com forums, I mentioned that a perfect antethesis for Lex Luthor on the show would be a young Bruce Wayne. Everyone lost it. It was only when I mentioned that I should play Bruce that the rumor mill started to slow, though I can't figure out why.

I was also the first one to mention that Braniac should be on the show. I was the last to figure out that Spike was Braniac though.

Anomaly_ · 11-16-2005, 10:19 PM

This is even more amusing if you've seen "Entourage" because the second season is about the main character trying to get the lead role for an Aquaman movie. Warner Brothers happens to be the producer too. Life imitating (low) art?

Charlatan · 11-17-2005, 05:23 AM

Maybe this is a hoax meant to promote Entourage... one can only hope.

Poppinjay · 11-17-2005, 05:44 AM

Prince Namur would be more interesting. There would be the environmental themes, but instead of foiling the evil doers plans and hauling them to prison, Namur would be more likely to command squid to take them to the bottom of the sea and masticate on their organs. Then he would declare war on all humanity, go on a three week sulk, and then try to bed Sue Storm.

Prince Namur, the perfect argument for aqua-prozac.

Charlatan · 11-17-2005, 06:30 AM

Yes, Marvel got it right with their champion of the deep. I always liked the Sub-Mariner when I was a kid.

KellyC · 11-17-2005, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highthief

Ever see the Captain America movie?

Whoa! There's a capt. America movie??? Where the hell have I been.

Can someone point me to that direction please?? I don't care if it sucks.

Charlatan · 11-18-2005, 05:48 AM

This is the 1991 stinker that was being refered to: The IMDB link http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103923/ and the link to Amazon http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=video

But there was alson one from 1944 - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036697/

There is also one in development to be released in 2007, no one is attached yet - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458339/

highthief · 11-18-2005, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KellyC

Whoa! There's a capt. America movie??? Where the hell have I been.

Can someone point me to that direction please?? I don't care if it sucks.

Oh, you'll care alright - it's worse than the first Fantastic Four (Roger Korman) flick. God, it sucked hard.

And I think they are doing a Sub-Mariner film aren't they?

Charlatan · 11-18-2005, 07:09 AM

Apparently the Sub-Mariner film has been announced but no one is attached other than the writer and I think Chris Columbus...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436803/

pan6467 · 11-18-2005, 09:03 AM

Why would anyone even think about doing this. Man From Atlantis was a decent show for awhile and did get Patrick Duffy his start. But it got really stupid fast.

An Aquaman series would be very short term.

Why not just have like a 4 week rotation of Aquaman/Green Lantern/Hawkman/Atomman? That way they can spread the series out for maybe a season before having to come up with idiotic scripts.

highthief · 11-18-2005, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan6467

Why would anyone even think about doing this. Man From Atlantis was a decent show for awhile and did get Patrick Duffy his start. But it got really stupid fast.

An Aquaman series would be very short term.

Why not just have like a 4 week rotation of Aquaman/Green Lantern/Hawkman/Atomman? That way they can spread the series out for maybe a season before having to come up with idiotic scripts.

Like DC Showcase!

pan6467 · 11-18-2005, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highthief

Like DC Showcase!

Didn't think of it that way but great point. Or just have a "Justice League" show and maybe every now and the have an episode which focuses on just 1.

Willravel · 11-18-2005, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan6467

Didn't think of it that way but great point. Or just have a "Justice League" show and maybe every now and the have an episode which focuses on just 1.

I watch the Justice League cartoon on the Cartoon Network. It's actually not bad. They follow the comic book, whihc seems to be less and less common these days.

KellyC · 11-19-2005, 01:25 AM

*final thread jack*

Sweet! I've always thought they should make a Capt. America movie. Hopefully it sets in WWII.

On 2nd thought, after seeing the movie cover for the previous Capt. America movies, maybe I shouldn't watch it. I'll take your advice, highthief.

Charlatan · 11-19-2005, 06:28 AM

Good call... but if you do watch it wear a nose plug to block out the stink.

MikeyChalupa · 11-22-2005, 06:26 PM

Remember that sketch from "The State" where Superman is giving orders to the Superfriends?

Superman: Right! Batman, Robin, you find some way to block future transmissions. Wonder Woman, you stop Dr. Spiker and find out what he knows. Flash, you run to the Andes mountains and GET THOSE PLANS. I'll go stop the missiles that have already been launched. Aquaman, you go...Talk to some FISH!

Then they all laugh their asses off at Aquaman. Good times.

-Mikey

Moskie · 11-22-2005, 10:21 PM

I hope everyone has had a chance to read <a href="http://www.seanbaby.com/superfriends/aquaman.htm">this</a>.

The rest of that piece (going over all the Superfriends) is priceless.

FngKestrel · 11-22-2005, 10:59 PM

Someone at WB had to be high to approve this.

I'll agree that a Captain America show done by the guys who did Smallville would be cool. And Green Lantern would be excellent, but I'd go wtih Kyle Rayner's Green Lantern as opposed to Hal Jordan or John Stewart.

Catdaddy33 · 11-23-2005, 08:58 AM

I always thought the Entourage plotline for Aquaman was hilarious, I mean having James Cameron direct this huge epic about one of the most unlikely comic book characters is comedy at its best...

11-14-2005, 09:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Sadly, I remember man from atlantis... Aquaman really didn't do much of anything... other than communicate telepathically with the fishies... I can see him as an environmental crusader but not much more than that.... maybe if wonder woman showed up as his love interest... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

11-14-2005, 06:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
Val_1 Addict Location: In a State of Denial	Wow, didn't see this one coming. Yeah, Aquaman ... sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen. Out of all the comics out there, Aquaman isn't one I'd pick for a series. But, Man From Atlantis was my favorite show when I was 5. So, I don't know if it was actually any good or not, but it did something for my imagination at the time. Funny, I've never learned how to swim. Been kind of afraid of the water since I almost drowned at 4. __________________ I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. -Frank Sinatra

11-15-2005, 09:34 AM	#7 (permalink)
highthief Junkie Location: Ontario, Canada	Got to admit I'd rank Aquaman as about the most unlikley DC character to get a show - so many others to choose from and they go with the fish guy. I doubt this will ever air. __________________ Si vis pacem parabellum.

11-15-2005, 04:53 PM	#17 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I don't think it's a good idea... I like Smallville, I think it is a good take on an old saw. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

11-15-2005, 04:58 PM	#18 (permalink)
Slyboots Tilted Location: Newbury Park, California	If I do remember correctly, aquaman has super strenght too. I remember reading something along the lines that he gained it since there wasn't any pressure on land or something like that. And lets not forget the new aquaman with his magic hook thing. __________________ "Ah, yes, divorce......., from the Latin word meaning to rip out a man's genitals through his wallet." -- Robin Williams

11-15-2005, 11:02 AM	#12 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Why not just make a show about Green Lantern? He's a decent DC character. Shoot, I'd rather watch a show about Marvel characters. I'd watch Silver Surfer or Captian America.

11-15-2005, 02:56 PM	#15 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	I'd like to get some of the writers from the Daily Show on a Captian America to just shower in some random liberalism every once in a while. But alas, that's not gonna happen.

11-15-2005, 08:32 PM	#19 (permalink)
Moskie Pure Chewing Satisfaction Location: can i use bbcode [i]here[/i]?	weren't there rumors going around about a series revolving a young Bruce Wayne? That might have been long time ago, though... but man, it could be great series. Starts with him turning 18 and trying to take hold the reins of Wayne Enterprises, while doing some vigilante work on the side. how awesome would that be? or maybe i'm just a big nerd __________________ Greetings and salutations.

11-16-2005, 09:42 PM	#21 (permalink)
pocon1 Banned	nothing to say Last edited by pocon1; 07-06-2008 at 09:50 PM..

11-16-2005, 10:19 PM	#23 (permalink)
Anomaly_ Insane	This is even more amusing if you've seen "Entourage" because the second season is about the main character trying to get the lead role for an Aquaman movie. Warner Brothers happens to be the producer too. Life imitating (low) art?

11-17-2005, 05:23 AM	#24 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Maybe this is a hoax meant to promote Entourage... one can only hope. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

11-17-2005, 05:44 AM	#25 (permalink)
Poppinjay You had me at hello Location: DC/Coastal VA	Prince Namur would be more interesting. There would be the environmental themes, but instead of foiling the evil doers plans and hauling them to prison, Namur would be more likely to command squid to take them to the bottom of the sea and masticate on their organs. Then he would declare war on all humanity, go on a three week sulk, and then try to bed Sue Storm. Prince Namur, the perfect argument for aqua-prozac. __________________ I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

11-17-2005, 06:30 AM	#26 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Yes, Marvel got it right with their champion of the deep. I always liked the Sub-Mariner when I was a kid. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

11-18-2005, 05:48 AM	#28 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	This is the 1991 stinker that was being refered to: The IMDB link http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103923/ and the link to Amazon http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=video But there was alson one from 1944 - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036697/ There is also one in development to be released in 2007, no one is attached yet - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458339/ __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

11-18-2005, 07:09 AM	#30 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Apparently the Sub-Mariner film has been announced but no one is attached other than the writer and I think Chris Columbus... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436803/ __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

11-18-2005, 09:03 AM	#31 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	Why would anyone even think about doing this. Man From Atlantis was a decent show for awhile and did get Patrick Duffy his start. But it got really stupid fast. An Aquaman series would be very short term. Why not just have like a 4 week rotation of Aquaman/Green Lantern/Hawkman/Atomman? That way they can spread the series out for maybe a season before having to come up with idiotic scripts. __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

11-19-2005, 01:25 AM	#35 (permalink)
KellyC Comment or else!! Location: Home sweet home	final thread jack Sweet! I've always thought they should make a Capt. America movie. Hopefully it sets in WWII. On 2nd thought, after seeing the movie cover for the previous Capt. America movies, maybe I shouldn't watch it. I'll take your advice, highthief. __________________ Him: Ok, I have to ask, what do you believe? Me: Shit happens.

11-19-2005, 06:28 AM	#36 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Good call... but if you do watch it wear a nose plug to block out the stink. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

11-22-2005, 06:26 PM	#37 (permalink)
MikeyChalupa Squid Location: USS George Washington	Remember that sketch from "The State" where Superman is giving orders to the Superfriends? Superman: Right! Batman, Robin, you find some way to block future transmissions. Wonder Woman, you stop Dr. Spiker and find out what he knows. Flash, you run to the Andes mountains and GET THOSE PLANS. I'll go stop the missiles that have already been launched. Aquaman, you go...Talk to some FISH! Then they all laugh their asses off at Aquaman. Good times. -Mikey

11-22-2005, 10:21 PM	#38 (permalink)
Moskie Pure Chewing Satisfaction Location: can i use bbcode [i]here[/i]?	I hope everyone has had a chance to read <a href="http://www.seanbaby.com/superfriends/aquaman.htm">this</a>. The rest of that piece (going over all the Superfriends) is priceless. __________________ Greetings and salutations.

11-22-2005, 10:59 PM	#39 (permalink)
FngKestrel Junkie	Someone at WB had to be high to approve this. I'll agree that a Captain America show done by the guys who did Smallville would be cool. And Green Lantern would be excellent, but I'd go wtih Kyle Rayner's Green Lantern as opposed to Hal Jordan or John Stewart.

11-23-2005, 08:58 AM	#40 (permalink)
Catdaddy33 Psycho Location: TN	I always thought the Entourage plotline for Aquaman was hilarious, I mean having James Cameron direct this huge epic about one of the most unlikely comic book characters is comedy at its best...