Damon Lindelof says HBO's Watchmen adaptation will be a "remix" inspired by the iconic comic series
There is a reason fans of DC Comics tend to get a little too sensitive when it comes to the adaptation of the literature for the cinematic universe. First of all, the comic series are way too intense and vast in nature, and secondly, there is a loyal fan-following for the books as well.
Considering all this, it didn't come as much of a surprise when TV writer Damon Lindelof recently took to social media to share his ideas for the upcoming TV adaptation of the Watchmen comics.
In the open letter addressed to the fans of the series, Lindelof took a rather direct approach as he opened up about using the comics source more like an inspiration for the show. He even said that the twelve issues of Watchmen created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons are "sacred" and that he has no desire to recreate, reboot, or even reproduce the storyline.
Instead, Lindelof stressed on treating the HBO series as a completely original story, which is set in the Watchmen universe.
“We have no desire to ‘adapt’ the twelve issues [Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons] created thirty years ago," the showrunner shared via a wordy letter on his official Instagram account. "Those issues are sacred ground and they will not be retread nor recreated nor reproduced nor rebooted... they will, however, be remixed."
He continued, "This new story must be original. It has to vibrate with the seismic unpredictability of its own tectonic plates. It must ask new questions and explore the world through a fresh lens. Most importantly, it must be contemporary."
Some details about the creative board working behind the DC adaptation were also shared by Lindelof.
"In [our writers'] room, Hetero White Men like myself are in the minority," he wrote, adding, "And as Watchmen is (incorrectly) assumed to be solely our domain, understanding its potential through the perspectives of women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community has been as eye-opening as it has been exhilarating."
"We've committed to doing the same in front of and behind the camera. And every single person involved with this show absolutely adores Watchmen."
While this is not the first time an iteration of the Watchmen comics has been made for the cinematic experience - Zack Snyder's version arrived in 2009 - Lindelof's TV adaptation will definitely be something to watch out for.
A premiere date for the show is yet to be announced.