HBO Max is adding another live-action DC series to its upcoming slate. According to Variety, the series will serve as an origin story for the Jackson Hyde version of Aqualad.
Variety reports that the series is specifically based on the 2020 graphic novel You Brought Me the Ocean, from writer Alex Sanchez and artist Julie Maroh. That book casts Jackson “Jake” Hyde as a land-locked teenager living in New Mexico coming to terms with his father’s death, his sexuality and his strange fascination with the ocean. The book also introduces Jake’s boyfriend, swim team captain Kenny Liu.
No writers or actors have been announced for the series yet. It’s also unclear whether the series is connected to the DCEU and James Wan’s Aquaman movies. However, Variety reports that Charlize Theron will executive produce the series alongside A.J. Dix, Beth Kono, and Andrew Haas of Denver & Delilah Films.
The Jackson Hyde Aqualad originally debuted in both comic book and animated forms in 2010. He was created by Brandon Vietti, Greg Weisman and Phil Bourassa for the animated series Young Justice (where he’s known by his Atlantean name Kaldur’ahm). Similar to the Barbara Gordon version of Batgirl, DC Comics introduced its version of the new Aqualad a few months ahead of the show’s debut, with Jackson making his first appearance in Brightest Day #4.
This series will mark the first time Jackson Hyde has appeared in a live-action DC project. Previously, Drew Van Acker played the Garth version of Aqualad in an episode of Titans: Season 2.
HBO Max recently wrapped up the fourth season of Young Justice. While a Season 5 has yet to be confirmed, DC Comics will publish a digital-first series called Young Justice: Targets set after the Season 4 finale.
As for Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa will reprise the role in the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Unfortunately, that sequel was one of several DC movies delayed by Warner Bros, with the release date shifting to March 2023. Be sure to brush up on every DC movie and series currently in development.
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