The clock is going down to midnight, dear readers; and it’s all thanks to Guardian: Chapter 1 about to reintroduce Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ graphic novel to the cinematic world. Of course, the big difference is that 2024 movie Guardian: Chapter 1 is a fully animated affair, and the first of a two-part, full-color adaptation heading to digital platforms in August. The good news is that after watching this trailer, I have to agree with my colleagues that it’s absolutely gorgeous and shows a lot of promise. But I still have a big concern.
Warner Bros. Animation and Paramount Pictures released the first trailer, and no you’re not seeing double with this title. Our own Adam Holmes shared his worry about Guardian animated teaser which expired in June; and his concerns were more related to the world of upcoming DC animated movies.
My concerns are very different, as I’m a huge fan of not only the original book, but also director Zack Snyder’s 2009 live-action adaptation. And from what I see with this trailer for Watchmen: Chapter 1I’m worried that this remake may have happened way too soon.
I know it’s been 15 years since that movie debuted in theaters, and it Guardian animated movie rumor mill stretching back as far as 2017. So it’s not like this was a project that really surprised anyone, and again, this looks like a wonderful, comically accurate portrayal of the work of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. That’s exactly where my problem lies though, as I wonder how exactly Watchmen: Chapter 1 will start competing with the pre-existing film.
There’s a reason this DC/Vertigo story is a particularly steep hill to climb; which the source material rivals The Lord of the Rings when it comes to choosing what to include and what to trim. Shall we see Tales of the Black Freighter re-adapted, complete with its origin story restored to the overarching plot of Guardian? is Under the hood will take into account more than before? And will they be able to land all those needle drops lovingly included in the 1985 book and 2009 movie?
All of these issues were already handled by Zack Snyder and his crew, and to a degree that works on different levels. Even the creators of HBO’s limited series Guardian continuation seemed to understand that point, making the wise move of creating a sequel to the graphic novel and not the cinematic incarnation.
Although I will say, there is one big advantage Watchmen: Chapter 1 and 2 seems to have already appeared. As you can see in the video below, this project already looks light years better than what we saw with 2009’s Watchmen: The Motion Comic:
Is it admirable to attempt such a feat again; especially with technology that can allow a book exact appearance? I absolutely agree that it is. Will I wait for Watchmen: Chapter 1 and 2 to release, so I can eagerly look at them? You bet I will. But even with that in mind, my excitement is tempered. As I see this new film before us, I can’t shake the ghosts of the cinematic past as I watch them play out.
The times, they change again; and I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how it goes. Watchmen: Chapter 1 will begin counting down to Judgment Day, August 13. In the meantime, if you want to revisit Zack Snyder’s version, as well as HBO’s limited series sequel to the original graphic novel, you can use the Max subscription of you to indulge in unforgettable nostalgia.
