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'Watchmen' on duty at Warner Bros
2005-12-18
LOS ANGELES - "The Watchmen," the seminal DC Comics limited series credited with redefining the superhero genre , has found a home at Warner Bros. Pictures.The project has been in development since the 1980s, with such directors as Terry Gilliam, Darren Aronofsky and Paul Greengrass on board. "The Watchmen" is one of the most critically acclaimed series in the genre, and is often is referred to as the "War and Peace" of comic books. It is a crime-conspiracy story that provided the first realistic look at the behind-the-heroics lives of superhero archetypes. In November, the graphic novel was the only nonbook on Time magazine's list of the 100 best novels since 1923. Set in an alternate America, "Watchmen" follows the costumed hero Rorschach, who is living a vigilante lifestyle because most masked heroes have retired or been outlawed. While investigating a murder, he learns that a former masked-hero colleague has been killed, prompting him to begin investigating a possible conspiracy. "Watchmen" first landed at a studio in 2001, when it was set up at Universal with David Hayter on board to adapt and Mark Gordon, who holds the rights, producing. Gordon and Universal parted ways over creative differences, and in July 2004, the project found its way to Paramount with Hayter still on it as writer. At the same time, Aronofsky ("Requiem for a Dream") came on board to develop and direct the movie. When scheduling conflicts arose with "The Fountain," Aronofsky bowed out in November 2004, and Greengrass, riding high on his hit "The Bourne Supremacy," came on as director. Hayter's script was still the blueprint. Paramount came close to getting the movie made earlier this year. Crews were building sets in London, casting lists were being made -- Jude Law and Hilary Swank were rumored to be in the mix -- and a summer start date was being scheduled. But the Paramount regime change, the movie's high price tag and its dark tone contributed to its being jettisoned in June. For "Watchmen" to make Warners its home -- albeit without Greengrass and Hayter-- is somewhat fitting as parent company Time Warner owns DC Comics and the studio is releasing "V for Vendetta," which is based on another comic book by "Watchmen" co-creator Alan Moore, and scheduled for a March 17 release. The studio is talking to directors and is looking for writers. Starting from scratch is not being ruled out as the studio would like to attract big-name stars. Paramount has the right of first refusal to co-finance the eventual picture. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
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