Summary
DC unveils plans for two upcoming films slated for release in 2024, comprising an animated reimagining of Watchmen and an adaptation of Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths.The choice to reimagine Watchmen is particularly intriguing, considering the recently released live-action rendition and successful HBO series. This animated film will exist as a distinct standalone addition.
In 2024, a new Watchmen movie will be released, which has the potential to provide a more faithful adaptation compared to Zack Snyder's version. This includes incorporating the missing scenes and faithfully replicating Dave Gibbons' art style. Despite DC and Warner Bros not participating in Comic Con 2023, they have announced two new DC movies for 2024. These include an animated remake of Watchmen and a highly anticipated adaptation of Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths. Alan Moore's groundbreaking Watchmen was first published in 1986, challenging traditional comic book themes and portraying twisted versions of popular superheroes like Nick Fury, Captain Atom, and Blue Beetle. Despite being deemed unadaptable for a long time, 2024 will mark the achievement of a third successful adaptation.
DC's official Twitter account teased the upcoming movies with a playful comment about the longing for 2024. Shortly after, they unveiled the title cards, including Watchmen's announcement. This news generated a mix of excitement and confusion among fans who speculated about the possibilities of a sequel to Geoff Johns' Doomsday Clock or a prequel to the existing Before Watchmen mini-series.
It is interesting to note that the decision to remake Watchmen comes just 14 years after Zack Snyder's live-action adaptation and amidst the success of HBO's recent live-action Watchmen series. The new Watchmen movie will be released as part of the DC Animated Movie label, which shares continuity with other established DC Universe Animated Original Movies. It is likely that this adaptation, initially announced in 2017, will stand on its own similar to the original work by Moore.
DC's Watchmen Remake Can Add Snyder's Missing Scenes
DC's decision to create a new animated adaptation of Watchmen presents an exhilarating opportunity. It offers the potential to realize a more faithful interpretation of Alan Moore's original work compared to Zack Snyder's 2009 live-action version. While Snyder's take on Watchmen was commendable and remains one of his impressive achievements, it deviated significantly from Moore's original vision. Certain adjustments were made in terms of length, resulting in the removal or absorption of characters and smaller subplots. Additionally, the iconic giant alien squid, which played a central role in Moore's original ending, was substituted with a plot that implicated Dr. Manhattan as the antagonist. This creative choice proved influential in sparking a wave of superhero projects exploring the concept of flawed superhuman beings.
The upcoming Watchmen adaptation has the potential to provide a truly immersive experience, capturing the scale and imagination envisioned by Alan Moore. It aims to reintegrate the missing elements from Snyder's version without supplanting it entirely. Furthermore, it holds the promise of incorporating the distinctive art style of Dave Gibbons into the animation. Although there have been some initial reservations about revisiting Snyder's film, the prospect of an animated project that adheres more closely to the original can coexist harmoniously without causing any distress.