On Apr 8, the trades took to social media to break the news that an Aqualad origin series, centered and built around the YA graphic novel You Brought Me the Ocean, is officially in the works with Charlize Theron in the producer’s chair.
The Aqualad Series Is In Development
According to Variety, HBO Max has not commented on the Aqualad series announcement. A brief synopsis of the series was revealed by the trade as well:
“The live-action, one-hour dramedy is based on characters from DC and the graphic novel by Alex Sanchez and Jul Maroh. The series will explore the life of Jackson “Jake” Hyde, a gay teenager living in New Mexico. All his life, he has had a strange attraction to the water and yearns to escape his desert surroundings for the ocean. As he explores his abilities, including breathing under and controlling water, he also finds himself falling in love with his classmate, high school swim captain Kenny Liu.”
Variety did reveal that no writer has been attached or tapped to the project yet, but as time progresses, that will change. Charlize Theron, A.J. Dix, Beth Kono, and Andrew Haas of Denver & Delilah Films have been confirmed to be executive producers.
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The prospect of Charlize Theron joining the realm of DC comic Television is a big step and a significant acquisition for WB now that it’s entirely under the umbrella and leadership of Discovery.
Many fans will notice that this version of the Jake Hyde-Aqualad character also goes by Kaldur’ahm during his adventures on Young Justice. The hit animated series is currently in its 4th season on HBO MAX. To note, actor Khary Payton continues to voice Aqualad since the character’s debut in 2010, created by Brandon Vietti, Greg Weisman, and Phil Bourassa. As the series progressed, it was revealed that he was the son of the villain Black Manta which was a great story arc that gave depth and foundation to the character.
In addition to Aqualad being in the realm of animation, Hyde made his comic book debut in the series “Brightest Day issue #4 in August of 2010. As the years passed in the lore of DC comics, Hyde has gone on to be confirmed as the second Aquaman taking up the mantle from Arthur Curry.
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A variation of the Aqualand Garth character recently appeared on season 2 of HBO MAX live-action Teen Titans series Titans and was portrayed by actor Drew Van Acker. Acker only appeared for one episode.
When producing and creating original content, HBO Max and DC comics are on the same wavelength as the MCU and Disney+. Today, the WB streamer has Titans currently filming its 4th season and is ready to introduce the Brother Blood character that actor Joseph Morgan will portray. The streamer also officially renewed Doom Patrol for a season 4 and the critically acclaimed satirical Harley Quinn comedy series, with fans awaiting a release date for the 3rd season. After the app shut down, all series that migrated from DC Universe is now finding placement on HBO MAX.
In terms of DC television, fans can’t forget that Peacemaker, which James Gunn created as a spinoff to The Suicide Squad, found critical acclaim and unrivaled fan success and has officially been renewed for a season 2 on the streamer as well. Then the prospect of a Colin Farrell Penguin show was greenlit, which weaves back to The Batman, directed and written by Matt Reeves. And last but not least, a Green Lantern series from Greg Berlanti and a few other projects are either about to be announced or in the works.
It seems that DC Comics and WB are allowing creators, directors, or actors turned producers to find an outlet and expand on narrative and branding. The variety of content does feel it will be fruitful and will help the streamer develop into the future and adapt to all levels and ages of content.
Are you excited about the Aqualad series? Do you think Aqualad will make his debut in the Aquaman films first? What Aqualad stories would you like to see explored? Do you enjoy HBO MAX’s original series and content? As always post a comment, drop a like, and follow us on social media.
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Source: Variety
