(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
As one of the former architects of the DC Universe, Zack Snyder not only conceptualized the "Superman" films he directed but also laid the foundational tone and settings for other characters, including "Aquaman." Snyder recently revealed that beyond just establishing the character's core, he had actually envisioned an entire solo origin film for Aquaman.
Snyder's sudden mention of this comes after producer Frank Zanca recently criticized Jason Momoa's "Aquaman" tattoos on Instagram, calling them "stupid." Zanca boldly speculated that Aquaman's tattoos were merely a reflection of Snyder's own tattoos, implying Snyder had imposed them on Momoa.
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Upon seeing Zanca's critical video, Snyder quickly responded in the comments section and took the opportunity to reveal his original plot concept for the "Aquaman" solo film. He stated that the concept, which he and Jason Momoa developed together before filming began, was "conceived to honor his (Momoa's) Polynesian heritage." Snyder detailed that "at the end of the first act, Arthur's father is killed by Black Manta's father, and Arthur takes his father's ashes back to the Polynesian islands for a traditional burial ceremony."
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Snyder continued, explaining that "during the mourning ritual, Arthur gets tattoos to commemorate his father." He added that Vulko, tasked by Arthur's mother to look after him, "provides a special Atlantean needle to the Samoan tattoo artist so he can pierce Arthur's thick skin." These tattoos, Snyder noted, "become a permanent inscription of Arthur's father's passing and his identity, connecting his Polynesian heritage with his Atlantean bloodline — and this grief over his father's death plants the seeds of a blood feud between Arthur and Black Manta, driving a larger conflict." Snyder also clarified, "And by the way, I don't talk like you portrayed me" (referring to Zanca's video, where he mockingly imitated Snyder's supposed flippant tone when asking Momoa to get tattoos).