Synopsis:

A tighter, more focused story of the reluctant heir to the kingdom of Atlantis, now with much of the unnecessary exposition as possible removed, Depeche Mode and Pitbull songs removed, "Ocean Master" references removed, and as many plot holes as possible removed.

Intentions:

Goals: •To keep Arthur dumb and funny, and make the rest of the movie a little more more serious, closer to the rest of the DCEU. •Remove as much unnecessary exposition as possible •Remove Depeche Mode and Pitbull songs •Remove "Ocean Master" references •Remove as many plot holes as possible* (can't get them all).

Change List:

• Removed intro narration • Movie intro starts with Lighthouse setting shot and removed Thomas tying the shutters OPEN.* • Removed Atlanna and TV scene (to remove Atlanna expelling water)* • Tightened scene with arrival of soldiers, removed some of the story Atlanna was telling to Arthur, removed the discussion with soldiers and Atlanna (for better mystery setup) • Removed discussion about tears on pier between Thomas and Atlanna (lame) • Removed Aquarium scene with young Arthur (not relevant anymore) • Tightened Black Manta's arrival on the submarine to remove some of his dumb lines. He mostly only talks to his dad. (trying to create more villainous vibe) • Removed Black Manta's lines to sub captain about jobs • Removed Manta knife discussion (not important) • Removed "its a man" lines from pirate watching the video of Arthur's arrival (silly) • Removed Black Manta line "Its not a man" • Removed Black Manta and Arthur discussing about meeting eventually, shortening fight (silly) • Removed lines "you knew to live so you can kill that sob" (silly) • Removed King Orm's history lesson about the meeting place (overt exposition) • Removed mention of the "Ocean Master" title (silly) • Brought explosion sooner (pacing) • Removed Vulko's "to arms!" line (silly) • Moved payout of gold to Black Manta to right after the attack (to connect his importance sooner) • Removed Black Manta lines "he killed my father" and "keep the money, I want Aquaman" (silly) • Tightened Mara and Arthur's discussion to remove JL references, and the lines "I’ve been looking for you", "because you’re a lady", "you are the firstborn... your people executed", and discussion of Volko and the Trident (overt exposition) • Removed Mara introducing herself after saving Thomas (better that they just already know each other already somehow... JL?) • Shortened Dr. Shin's rant to remove question of the existence of Atlanteans* (removed world not believing in Atlaneans in spite of knowing about Aquaman) • Removed Vulko and teen Arthur swimming lesson (silly) • Removed "They still think Atlantis is a fairy tale"* • Removed "Ocean Master" reference by Mara (silly) • Removed refence to the Trident being "forged"* • Removed line "it gave us the ability to breathe underwater" (the evolved thing covers it) • Removed Vulko's line "it’s an ancient recording dating back..." • Removed Orms' line "I can’t believe you’re finally here. I've heard so many stories about you • Removed shots of being killed from Orm's visual presentation (hypocritical)* • Removed teen Arthur's lines "you mean the executed her? because of me?" (bad acting) • Removed Mara's line about hating the surface people too • Removed Orm throwing up water in the air pocket* • Removed the second, higher pitched "bad guys behind us, aaaahhhh!" • Removed Orm flying beside Arthur and Mara on their escape • Removed Mara inside whale dismissing how he talked to it* • Removed Pitbull song and the ocean exit shots, cuts directly to shadow of plane overhead • Tightened Arthur and Mara discussion in plane to let her respond quicker • Removed Orm's Captain (Murk) lines when tracking Mara • Removed King Nereus describing his daughter Mara as the Princess of Xebel, instead just being a concerned dad • Removed Black Manta's lines with Orm when getting equipment, and the shots and lines of how the gun works. • Changed Depeche Mode song to the Black Manta theme from the soundtrack • Lowered romantic comedy sound effects as much as possible from Arthur and Mera's discussion in the desert • Removed mention of "forging" weapons again • Removed water fountain scene in order to better set up the Pinocchio reference • Removed Arthur knowing who all the statues were • Moved up explosion slightly to reduce the loving gaze between Mera and Arthur • Removed Black Manta monologue on his arrival • Removed Black Manta announcing his name to Arthur • Removed Arthur telling Black Manta "I thought I told you not to make this a habit" • Removed Mera breaking facemask of solder and shot of Murk healing his arm • Removed Murk and the toilet • Removed Black Manta stabbing Arthur with the Manta knife • Removed a couple shots of Arthur on the boat to better set up the no-shirt to shirt shot • Removed flashback shot of young Arthur talking to fish • Removed Karathen saying Arthur is the only one who can hear it • Shortened Karathen's arrival at battle to show less destruction to both sides (focus on Atlantean reaction) • Removed Mera’s final speech (silly) • Trimmed Arthur’s ending narration and final Aquaman shots, ends on sunrise on dock with Atlanna and Thomas, rounding out the love story. • Added new Aquaman logo screen before cinematic credits. • Changed music after Black Manta mid-credit scene to be more fast paced.

Additional Notes:

The goal was to take out as much "cheese" factor and make the movie feel more militaristic.

Special Thanks: