A "Watchmen" episodic , live-action 'superhero' TV series has officially been greenlit by HBO, based on characters from writer Alan Moore's 1986 DC Comics property, in a 'remix' of the original material, according to writer, showrunner Damon Lindelof:
"...set in an alternate history where 'superheroes' are treated as fascist vigilante outlaws, 'Watchmen' embraces the nostalgia of the original groundbreaking graphic novel while attempting to break new ground of its own."
Cast includes Regina King ("The Leftovers"), Don Johnson ("Miami Vice"), Jeremy Irons ("Dead Ringers"), Tim Blake Nelson, and Louis Gossett Jr.
"First and foremost, if you are angry that I'm working on 'Watchmen', I am sorry", said Lindelof, responding to "Watchmen" creator Moore, objecting to Lindelof 'remixing' his work.
"Alan Moore is an extraordinary talent of mythic proportion. I wrote him a letter, parts of which are not dissimilar to this one, because I owed him an explanation as to why I'm defying his wishes..."
'Angela Abraham': African-American female cop. Independent and intelligent, she’s also a realist. She’s married to Cal, with whom she has a daughter and is fiercely protective of them both.
'Cal Abraham': African-American male who is the stay-at-home husband of Angela. While he seems at home as the king of his castle and being a loving husband and father, it’s clear his past has a different story to tell.
'Looking Glass': A good looking cop, the native Oklahoman isn’t simple as his rural accent makes him appear to be. A top interrogator and behavioral scientist, he may also be a bit of a sociopath.
'Panda': An ethnic desk cop, he’s cynical and tough and puts his job first. Not a friend to many, he uses comedy to keep people at bay.
'Red Scare': mob connected, track suit wearing cop. His Russian accent lends to his abrasiveness.
'Pirate Jenny': An androgynous and lustful cop, Jenny is an anarchist at heart.
'Jane Crawford': The wife of the police chief, Jane is a veterinarian who's sharper than her guarded persona lets on.
'Old Man': A former cop who is still an imposing figure despite his age.
"You can't be dangerous for dangerous' sake," said Lindelof, "but the reason that I'm doing this is these are dangerous times and we need dangerous shows.
"What we think about superheroes is wrong. I love the 'Marvel' movies...and I'm all for 'Wonder Woman' and 'Batman' and I grew up on these characters, but we should not trust people who put on masks and say that they are looking out for us..."
With the release of director Zack Snyder's "Watchmen" (2009) 'Director's Cut' & 'Ultimate Cut', the brand has developed and maintained a strong fan base over the years.
"...The 'Minutemen', a team of costumed crime fighters, was formed in 1939 in response to a rise in costumed gangs and criminals. The 'Watchmen' was similarly formed decades later.
"Their existence has dramatically affected world events: in particular, the superpowers of 'Doctor Manhattan' helped the United States win the Vietnam War, resulting in 'President Richard Nixon' being reelected.
"Doctor Manhattan gives the West a strategic advantage over the Soviet Union, which by the 1980's threatens to escalate the 'Cold War' into a nuclear war.
"During that time, growing anti-vigilante sentiment in the country leads to masked crime-fighters being outlawed.
"While many of the heroes retire, Doctor Manhattan and the 'Comedian' operate as government-sanctioned agents...
"...and 'Rorschach' continues to operate outside the law..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Watchmen"...
