Another “Watchmen” adaptation, after Zack Snyder‘s 2009 film and Damon Lindelof‘s HBO “remix”? It’s not surprising. Alan Moore‘s 1986 limited series is arguably the greatest graphic novel of all time, and remains one of the writer’s seminal triumphs. And, let’s face it: Snyder’s film isn’t that great, with Lindelof’s series, while very acclaimed, was its own beast entirely. So why shouldn’t Warner Bros. Animation and Paramount make an animated two-part film that’s as faithful to Moore’s original vision as possible?
That’s what fans of Moore’s work get with “Watchmen Chapter 1,” set it hit digital and Blu-Ray next month. Brandon Vietti directs J. Michael Straczynski‘s adaptation of Moore’s original series set in an alternate 1980s, where the death of a retired superhero unfolds into a conspiracy with world-changing ramifications. But it’s Dave Gibbons‘ original art come to life that will make this adaptation of “Watchmen” so special. The trailer below demonstrates how loyal Vietti’s film is to Moore and Gibbons’ work, which begs the question: is this the “Watchmen” feature comic book fans have clamored for over nearly four decades?
Matthew Rhys leads the voice cast in “Watchmen Chapter 1” as Dan Dreiberg/Nite Owl, with Katee Sackhoff as Silk Spectre, Titus Welliver as fan-favorite Rorschach, and Michael Cerveris as Dr. Manhattan. Troy Baker, Adrienne Barbeau, Corey Burton, Jeffrey Combs, Kelly Hu, and Phil LaMarr round out the rest of the main cast.
Vietti, James Krieg, and Cindy Rago co-produce “Watchmen: Chapter 1.” As for when “Watchmen Chapter 2” comes out? Look for it later this year, and stay tuned for an official release date.
“Watchmen Chapter 1” hits digital on August 13, then hits shelves on Blu-ray on August 27. Watch a trailer for the animated film below.