Preview:
- Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ Watchmen has been adapted into an animated movie.
- Titus Welliver, Katie Sackhoff and Matthew Rhys star.
- J. Michael Straczynski wrote the two-part adaptation.
‘Watchmen’ is still one of the most influential graphic novels of all time and adapting it is a huge challenge.
It doesn’t help that original co-creator Alan Moore (who created the book with artist Dave Gibbons) isn’t a fan of anyone trying to adapt his work to a new medium.
We can only imagine, he’s busy casting a terrible spell to foil the latest attempt, but it’s too late –– after it was announced at last year’s Comic-Con, the animated, titled ‘Watchmen: Chapter I’, two part movie. , based on the graphic novel (and in the works since at least 2021), starring Matthew Rhys, Katie Sackhoff and Titus Welliver.
In an alternate world history shaped by superheroes, the once-celebrated “costumed adventurers” have been banned by a society discouraged by vigilantism. Now, in… read the plot
What is the story of ‘Watchmen’ animated film?
Doctor Manhattan in ‘Watchmen: Chapter 1’. Photo: DC Studios.
The movie will once again bring the Moore and Gibbons story published in 1986 to the screen and will be set in an alternate world in which the costumed vigilantes are real. Inspired by Moore’s inability to use some of DC’s big name characters, he created his own alternatives and challenged the nature and ethics of superhero storytelling.
Rhys will voice Dan Dreyberg (aka Night Owl), Sackhoff will voice Laurie Juspeczic (aka Silk Spectre), while Welliver will voice Walter Kovacs (aka Rorschach).
Troy Baker will voice Adrian Weidt (aka Ozymandias), while Michael Severis will voice Jonathan Osterman (aka Dr. Manhattan).
Who else is in the new ‘Watchmen’ movie?
Comedian in ‘Watchmen: Chapter 1’. Photo: DC Studios.
Rick D. Wasserman plays Edward Blake (aka The Comedian), Adrienne Barbeau voices Sally Jupiter (aka the first Silk Spectre), Jeffrey Combs as Edgar Jacobi (aka Moloch), Geoff Pearson as Hollis Mason (aka the first Night Owl). playing. Corey Burton voices Captain Metropolis, Jon Marshall Jones is the Hooded Justice, Yuri Lowenthal plays Wally Weaver, and Kari Wahlgren is the voice artist for Jenny Slater.
Gray DeLisle, Kelly Hu, Max Koch, Phil Lamar, Dwight Schultz and Jason Spisak are playing unspecified roles.
Who’s Starring in the New ‘Watchmen’ Movie?
Rorschach in ‘Watchmen: Chapter 1’. Photo: DC Studios.
Both parts of the film were directed by ‘Babylon 5’ creator J. Accepted by Michael Straczynski, although he confirmed on social media that he did not make major changes to the script:
Now I can talk about it as the news is breaking. I adapted Watchmen for Warners Animation. By “adapted” I mean strictly adapting the structure to work in the movie. I found that there was no need to write more material or change what worked in the book. It is pure Moor. https://t.co/iy4Q0yqW61
— J. Michael Straczynski (@strczynski) July 10, 2024
Warner Animation veteran Brandon Vietti is in the director’s chair for both episodes.
What other adaptations have there been?
2009’s ‘Chowkidar.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
‘Watchmen’ has been targeted for adaptation several times, with various filmmakers trying, but not making it happen; Among them Terry Gilliam, David Hayter, Darren Aronofsky.
Zack Snyder finally succeeded in 2009 with his (mostly) faithful live-action adaptation to mixed reviews and $185.3 million worldwide. It was supported by its own animation, which took on the story-within-the-story of the graphic novel ‘Tales of the Black Frater’.
Damon Lindelof won acclaim for his 2019 HBO series, which continues the story 30 years after the events of the graphic novel, drawing from canon history but also going in interesting new directions.
When will ‘Watchmen: Chapter I’ hit the screens?
Rorschach in ‘Watchmen: Chapter 1’. Photo: DC Studios.
The first chapter will launch on August 13th for digital purchase and August 27th on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. ‘Watchmen Chapter II’ will release in late 2024.