The CW network's untitled Aquaman project has its new leading man in Justin Hartley (daytimes PASSIONS), according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Hartley replaces Will Toale, who originally was cast in the role when the pilot was ordered by WB Network.
"Will is a talented actor with a promising career, and we hope to work with him in the future," a CW spokesman said. "We have made the decision to go in a different direction with the Aquaman role and wish him the best of luck in all of his endeavors."
Insiders say the casting change was a result of CBS Corp. and Warner Bros. Ent. plans to combine CBS-owned UPN and Warners' the WB into a new jointly owned network, dubbed the CW, in the fall. CBS Corp. president/ceo Leslie Moonves, known for his interest and skill in pilot casting decisions, recommended that they seek a new star.
Hartley joins a cast that already includes Ving Rhames as McCaffery and Denise Quinones as Rachel Starling.
SMALLVILLE exec producers/showrunners Miles Millar and Alfred Gough wrote the script and are exec producing the pilot with Greg Beeman, who will direct.
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