Here's a sequel to the 1966 Aquaman film.
A direct or a loose sequel doesn't matter as long as they're connected.
The plot sort of continues from the previous film
Aquaman: Black Manta Strikes Back (1977)
Produced by Dino de Laurentiis
Music by: Elmer Bernstein
Who's the director?
George Lucas!
Oh, this means we get Aquaman instead of Star Wars.
No Star Wars! No Star Wars!! No Star Wars!!!
No problem, a big film about an underwater kingdom could be a popcultural event too.
With George Lucas at the helm, and Laurenttis as producer as well, it wouldn't be serious to the same extent as David Leans' film.
Imagine it a like a combination of a Roger Corman sci fi B-film and a Laurentiis B-film adventure, but with an A-list blockbuster budget (for its time).
The actual style would feel a bit close to Flash Gordon (1980) but set underwater.
Now to the cast!
I'll do as Frodo and include pics.
Arthur Curry/Aquaman: Michael York
He was considered for the role back in mid 60s but he was an unknown back then, and to be honest looking a bit too young. The studio wanted a more known actor with gravitas who could make people want to see the film, hence Peter O'Toole.
Now, late half of the 70s, York is perfect for the role. His youthful appearance is a big factor for casting him. After seeing Logan's Run, it was Lucas' first choice for the role.
To be honest, there were a few auditions. Mark Hamill tried out but lost. He didn't impress due to his inexperience, and Lucas had pretty much made up his mind about the lead actor.
(The studio had suggested major movie star Roger Moore but he was busy playing Bond, demanded too much money for doing Aquaman, and he was also a bit old - turning 50 this year)
Mera: Goldie Hawn was cast
Jane Fonda turned down the role, claiming it was not the kind of film she would like to to do, adding she would likely have done it ten years earlier around the time of Barbarella.
Orm/Ocean Master: Harrison Ford
Black Manta: Bernie Casey
I first planned to have Billy Dee Williams but changed my mind after seeing Frodo's superhero film by Spike Lee (Thank you Frodo!!!).
And his suit would be inspired by Darth Vader (which we
never got to see anyway). It's easy to see how they could design it similar
Dr Vulko: Peter Cushing (a good guy despite his looks in the pic below)