'Watchmen': Release date, cast, plot, trailer and everything you need to know about the HBO series
With fans everywhere still trying to get over the rather shocking finale of 'Game of Thrones', HBO is planning to make a major comeback with its new 'Watchmen' TV series. The show is inspired by the best-selling comic book series of the same name, written by Alan Moore.
It's safe to state that HBO is now trying to find the next 'Game of Thrones', as people everywhere are in a constant search of a new mind-numbing and intriguing series to binge-watch. Moreover, they've undoubtedly placed a safe bet with 'Watchmen', as the series already has a major cult following. Here's everything you need to know about the series:
Release date
'Watchmen' will premiere on HBO October 20.
Plot
One would be inclined to think that the upcoming show would either be a reboot, sequel or a prequel to the original comic book series which takes place in an alternate reality in the 80s. However, showrunner Damon Lindelof stated that it's a "remix". Back in 2018, he addressed fans in an Instagram post, writing, "We have no desire to 'adapt' the twelve issues Mr. Moore and Mr. Gibbons created thirty years ago."
"Those issues are sacred ground and they will not be retread nor recreated nor reproduced nor rebooted. They will, however, be remixed," the post further stated. Lindelof plans on expanding upon the original source material and creating a more wholesome universe that is not limited to a feature film or a comic book.
Cast
Regina King as Angela Abraham
Emmy winner Regina King — who worked with Lindelof on his last HBO series 'The Leftovers' — is set to take on the lead role as Angela Abraham. She's known for her iconic role as Brenda Jenkins in the 1980s sitcom '227' and for her critically-acclaimed supporting role in the feature film 'Jerry Maguire'.
Don Johnson as Chief Judd Crawford
Don Johnson will be stepping in the shoes of Chief Judd Crawford. He rose to fame with his role as James "Sonny" Crockett in the 1980s television series 'Miami Vice', winning a Golden Globe for the same. He likewise played the lead role in the 1990s cop series 'Nash Bridges'.
Tim Blake Nelson as Looking Glass
The role of Looking Glass will be played by Tim Blake Nelson, who is majorly known for his portrayal of diverse roles in shows like 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?', 'Holes', 'Syriana', 'The Incredible Hulk', 'Lincoln', and 'The Ballad of Buster Scruggs'.
Louis Gossett Jr. as Old Man
Academy Award winner Louis Gossett Jr. will be portraying Old Man. He's majorly known for his roles such as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in the 1982 film 'An Officer and a Gentleman', and his role as Fiddler in the 1977 ABC television miniseries 'Roots'.
Adelaide Clemens as Pirate Jenny
Australian actress Adelaide Clemens is set to take on the role of Pirate Jenny. She's previously appeared in films like 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine', 'The Great Gatsby', 'Silent Hill: Revelation 3D', and has won a Logie award in 2008 for her role in the TV series 'Love My Way'.
Andrew Howard as Red Scare
The show also features Andrew Howard as Red Scare. He is majorly known for his work in the HBO miniseries 'Band of Brothers', the feature film 'Revolver', as well as co-starring alongside Patrick Stewart and Glenn Close in the 2003 TV movie 'The Lion in Winter'.
The series also stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Christie Amery, Frances Fisher, Jeremy Irons and Jacob Ming-Trent among others.
Creators
Based on the comic book series written by Alan Moore
Alan Moore is an English writer who's majorly known for his contribution to the comic book world, with classics like 'Watchmen', 'V for Vendetta', 'The Ballad of Halo Jones', and 'From Hell'. He's referred to as one of the best graphic novel writers in the English language and is globally recognized among his peers and critics.
Created by Damon Lindelof
The TV series is created by Damon Lindelof, who is majorly known for co-creating one of TV's most-influential masterpieces 'Lost,' He has likewise worked on big projects like 'Star Trek', 'Prometheus', 'The Leftovers', 'Cowboys & Aliens', 'World War Z' and more.
Trailers
You can watch the teaser trailer of 'Watchmen' here:
While the teaser trailer released by HBO doesn't give out much in terms of plot, it showcases a movement of people who seem to have molded themselves in the image of the vigilante Rorschach. Moreover, it primarily sticks to secretive, gloomy imagery while showcasing a world where masked vigilantes have been a part of American history for decades and are moving towards a new age of revolution.
A new trailer for the show was released on September 13. The show's Twitter page shared the video with the caption "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?", a Latin phrase that translates to "Who watches the Watchmen?"
The trailer starts off with a discussion about why people wear masks and then goes on to show multiple scenes of disaster, hinting at a vast conspiracy and suggesting the Rorschach-inspired terrorist group that was seen in the teaser is planning on starting an all-out war. We also learn that the army of Rorschachs is called the Seventh Cavalry and that the police are working with vigilantes, including Regina King's Angela Abraham and others, to stop the Cavalry by any means necessary, even illegal imprisonment.
Where to watch
Even though there has been no official release date out yet, you can catch the show this fall on HBO.
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