Things We Saw Today: Charlize Theron, HBO Max Are Making Queer ‘Aqualad’ Series

Charlize Theron and HBO Max are teaming up to adapt an Aqualad story. Theron will produce a television series based on You Brought Me the Ocean, a DC young adult graphic novel by Alex Sanchez (Rainbow Boys) and Jul Maroh (Blue Is a Warm Colour). The novel re-imagines the origin story of Jake Hyde, aka Aqualad. Jake is a teen who has always felt drawn to the ocean, despite living in the land-locked town of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Jake is the estranged son of Aquaman villain Black Manta, who genetically altered his DNA. This results in Jake having blue markings on his skin that glow when he touches water. You Brought Me the Ocean was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book.

The novel is a coming of age story that sees Jake negotiating coming out, his crush on swim captain Kenny, and his plans to apply to college in Florida. It’s unclear if the series will tie into DC’s Aquaman films, and no casting has been announced. In an interview with Newsarama, Sanchez said, “I think queer people often identify with superheroes as metaphors for queerness. Just like superheroes, many LGBTQ+ people grow up having to keep our true identity secret and live a double life. And we have a supervillain to fear: homophobia and prejudice.”

(via Deadline, image: Jul Maroh/DC)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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