Christopher Nolan, acclaimed director of films such as Inception and The Dark Knight trilogy, recently showered praise on Zack Snyder’s Watchmen. Released in 2009, the film, an adaptation of Alan Moore’s graphic novel, initially faced challenges at the box office but has since garnered recognition for its unique approach to the superhero genre. Nolan, who recently directed Oppenheimer, lauded Watchmen as being “ahead of its time" in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. One of the film’s standout qualities, according to Nolan, was its ingenious subversion of the concept of a superhero team – a theme that would later be popularised by Marvel’s cinematic juggernaut, The Avengers, released in 2012, several years after Snyder’s Watchmen.
“I’ve always believed Watchmen was ahead of its time," Nolan remarked. “The idea of a superhero team, which it so brilliantly subverts, wasn’t yet a thing in movies. It would have been fascinating to see it released post-Avengers," he told The Hollywood Reporter.
Snyder’s Watchmen, featuring a cast including Patrick Wilson, Malin Akerman, Jackie Earle Haley, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Carla Gugino, gained notoriety for its darker and more complex take on the superhero narrative.
Here is a sneak peek of the film:
In the same discussion, Snyder addressed another notable project, DC’s Justice League. The theatrical release, featuring Joss Whedon’s reshoots, differed significantly from Snyder’s original vision. The much-discussed Snyder Cut eventually premiered on Warner Bros. streamer HBO Max, following fervent demands from fans.
“We cared deeply about what we were doing," Snyder emphasised regarding his cut of the Justice League film. “We weren’t trying to make an Avengers movie. We didn’t know how, quite frankly. They brought someone in. I’ve never seen the Whedon version, but it wasn’t the answer."
Looking ahead, Snyder hinted at potential future projects. He entertained the idea of exploring the Elektra Lives Again storyline within the Marvel universe, or delving back into Nolan’s territory with a faithful adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns, informs The Hollywood Reporter.
Patrick Wilson, who portrayed a key role in Watchmen, had reportedly echoed Nolan’s sentiments earlier this year. Wilson, acknowledging the film’s darkness, expressed the need for movies to delve into such depths before paving the way for lighter fare like the Avengers series.
As for Snyder, his affection for Watchmen remains unwavering. In 2021, while talking to Uproxx, he expressed openness to helming another adaptation of the iconic graphic novel. “By the way, I love Watchmen. I have no regrets. I love that movie 100 percent," Snyder affirmed.
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