‘Aquaman’ Screenplay in the Works

Aquaman #1 (2011)

Warner Bros. has commissioned two scripts for an Aquaman film, reportedly starring Jason Momoa in the titular role. Two separate writers will take on each script, one being Will Beall, who has written for ABC’s Castle and also wrote the screenplay for Warner Bros.’ Gangster Squad. The other script will be written by Kurt Johnstad, who co-wrote 300 and 300: Rise of an Empire alongside Batman v Superman director Zack Snyder.

The fact that Warner Bros. has hired two separate writers for two separate scripts isn’t surprising. The technique pits two writers in a classic let the best man win scenario where Warner Bros. will end up choosing which script they deem worthy to contend with their other properties. Warner Bros. hasn’t commented on when Aquaman will be set to release theatrically, but judging from their recently announced release dates, Aquaman may hit theaters sometime between 2016 and 2020.

Now let’s talk about the character. Aquaman was created by Mort Weisinger and Paul Norris, and was first introduced in 1941 in More Fun Comics #73. Since then he has remained a DC staple and a founding member of the Justice League. Of course, over the years Aquaman has become the butt of many jokes because of his seemingly goofy abilities. For this reason I’m glad Warner Bros. has reportedly chosen Jason Momoa to play the role, because I highly doubt many will crack jokes at Khal Drogo wielding a trident as the King of Atlantis. Batman v Superman director Zack Snyder even recently defended Aquaman’s credibility, when he called in to the Detroit radio station 97.1 The Ticket.

I don’t want to give anything away about the movie, but Aquaman has some cool abilities. People are like: ‘Oh, what? Does he talk to animals? Cause that seems like what he does. Or fish?’ The cool thing with Aquaman is he’s Triton, so you have to realize that [he] could cut the flesh of Superman if they came in contact. It’s not to say that he’s in the movie or anything like that,” Snyder teased. “But he has the potential to be bad ass.

All this being said, I’m still a little perplexed to hear an Aquaman film is in the works when we are still no closer to seeing a Wonder Woman film. At least we will be able to see Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman on the big screen in 2015’s Batman v Superman well before even a trailer for Aquaman arrives. The word on Jason Momoa appearing in Batman v Superman has been shrouded in mystery, and judging from Snyder’s comments even he is trying not to let anything slip.

So, what do you think about DC’s Aquaman getting his own movie? Do you think it’s a risky move by Warner Bros.? Would you like to see a Wonder Woman movie first? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.

Sources: 1, 2