Who Watches The Watchmen? Everyone, Hopes Warner
The Watchmen Hits Theaters on March 6th, 2009. How Well Will it Do?
Feb 19, 2009
When "the Watchmen" was released as a monthly limited series comic in 1986 and 1987, it was apparent almost immediately that the medium had taken a great step as far as innovation and storytelling in superhero comics. In short, comic book superheros grew up. Writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons told a story of flawed heroes in capes and spandex, reflected the angst of the era, and simultaneously elevated the comic book form.
In the years since, The Watchmen has been cited by many as the single most important graphic novel released to date, influencing readers and creators alike. The visual style and structure of the story combined with Moore's knack for unique and memorable storytelling made the book a seminal example of the contemporary comic book canon. It was voted as one of Time Magazine's 100 best novels released since 1923.
So how will the movie do at the box office?
Post Dark Knight Comic Book Films
Since the enormous success of 2008's "The Dark Knight", pressure and high expectations have elevated the buzz surrounding the movie version of The Watchmen. Can the new film, releasing on March 6th, live up to the hype at the box office?
Certainly, Warner Bros has marketed the film early and well. Since the trailers for the movie debuted, excitement has hit a fever pitch and many comic fans as well as cinematic admirers are looking at The Watchmen as the next big movie hit.
As far as doing DK type business, though, that remains to be seen. Hopes run high, but there is a thought process among some experts that suggests the comic itself is not known well enough outside of die-hard hobbyists to produce any record breaking numbers.
Watching the Cast and Crew
The Watchmen is directed by Zack Snyder, who had a huge hit with 2006's "300". 300 was an adaptation of a Frank Miller graphic novel, and had an immediate box office impact, opening with a huge weekend take of over $70 million. In domestic release, 300 ended up making well over $200 million when all was said and done.
It's not unrealistic to think that The Watchmen could do similar business.
The Watchmen features Billy Crudup in the crucial role of Dr. Manhattan. Fan favorite Rorshach is portrayed by Jackie Earle Haley ("Semi-Pro", "Little Children"). Early reaction to the casting choices has been mostly positive from the online comic book community.
Watchmen Tie-Ins
Coming to DVD and Blu-ray formats on March 24th is an animated version of the "comic book inside the comic book", "Tales of The Black Freighter" (in the graphic novel, a character is reading a comic called "Tales of the Black Freighter"). Directed by Mike Smith and Daniel DelPurgatorio, "Tales of the Black Freighter" is a horror tinged adaptation.
Rounding out that DVD is a bio-doc called "Under the Hood". It focuses on the biographies of the characters of The Watchmen.
Also in stores now, Dave Gibbons' hardcover companion book "Watching the Watchmen". It's an excellent collection of sketches, character designs, and much more.
Watch "The Watchmen" in March!
