Aquaman (2006)

Interesting facts

• Based on: Aquaman

Aquaman is an American superhero unsold television pilot developed by Smallville creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar for The WB Television Network, based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The pilot show was produced by Millar Gough Ink, DC Comics, and Warner Bros. Television Studios. Gough and Millar wrote the pilot, which was directed by Greg Beeman. Justin Hartley starred as Arthur "A.C." Curry, a young man living in a beachside community in the Florida Keys who learns about his powers and destiny as the Prince of Atlantis.

Production

The concept of Aquaman stemmed from a fifth season episode of Smallville, "Aqua". The episode featured Arthur Curry (portrayed by Alan Ritchson) coming to Smallville to stop an underwater weapons project being developed by LuthorCorp. "Aqua" became the highest rated episode for Smallville that season, but was never meant to be a backdoor pilot for an Aquaman series.

Alan Ritchson was not considered for the role in the new series because Gough and Millar did not consider it a spin-off from Smallville. Gough said in November 2005 that the series was going to be a different version of the 'Aquaman' legend, but did express the idea of a crossover with Smallville at some point. There was initial speculation that the show's title would not be Aquaman.

Justin Hartley explained that Arthur would be aware of his powers at the beginning of the series and would have no problem using them for personal gain. Hartley felt this played against the typical superheroes, because his character was not afraid to flaunt his abilities. Gough explained that A.C. would be able to swim faster than humans, breathe underwater, as well as have super strength while underwater.

Ideas for future episodes focused on environmental threats, such as "ocean polluters" and "evil oil companies". Thirteen episodes were fully planned out, with a possible story arc involving McCaffery being captured and taken back to Atlantis. Stories regarding mythology were set to play a small role in later episodes. Gough and Millar chose to go with a more classic version of the Aquaman mythology, pulling largely from the comics.

The role of Arthur Curry was originally given to Will Toale, after Gough and Millar saw over 400 candidates from England, Australia, Canada and the United States. Before filming began, Toale was replaced with Justin Hartley. A CW spokesman said: "We have made the decision to go in a different direction with the Aquaman role and wish [Toale] the best of luck in all of his endeavors".

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