How Watchmen Changed Zack Snyder’s View of Devoted DC Fans

When Zack Snyder took on the challenge of adapting Watchmen in 2009, he wasn’t just making another superhero movie —he was diving headfirst into a story that had already earned a fiercely loyal following. In a conversation with EW, Snyder explained that his dedication to the original graphic novel helped him understand the intense devotion of comic book fans, especially those who love DC ’s universe.

Watchmen is like the music you feel is written just for you. 'That’s my song, no one else gets that but me.' That’s why the fan base is so rabid, because they feel personal about it. The difference between Watchmen and a normal comic book is this: With Batman ’s Gotham City, you are transported to another world where that superhero makes sense; Watchmen comes at it in a different way, it almost superimposes its heroes on your world, which then changes how you view your world through its prism.

That sense of ownership and emotional investment isn’t unique to comics—it’s something you see in every kind of media, from novels and games to movies and TV. Snyder, a longtime fan himself, was able to tap into what made the source material so special, resulting in a Watchmen adaptation that struck a chord with audiences.

Making Watchmen for the Fans—and Himself

Although Snyder’s take on Watchmen is often hailed as one of the most ambitious superhero films ever made, it wasn’t the first attempt to bring the story to the big screen. He was the last in a line of directors to tackle the project, stepping in after Terry Gilliam exited and making significant changes to the script to create the version we know today.

This move sparked debate among fans of both the original comic and Gilliam’s vision. In a past interview, Snyder addressed the controversy, explaining that his approach came from a place of genuine fandom and a desire to do justice to the material:

Yeah, the fans would have stormed the castle on that one. So, honestly, I made “Watchmen” for myself. It’s probably my favorite movie that I’ve made. And I love the graphic novel and I really love everything about the movie. I love the style. I just love the movie and it was a labor of love. And I made it because I knew that the studio would have made the movie anyway and they would have made it crazy. So, finally I made it to save it from the Terry Gilliams of this world.

While some purists still criticize his choices, most viewers and fans recognized that the film brought something unique to the table.

Why Watchmen Still Feels Fresh Years Later

One reason Watchmen has remained relevant is its willingness to break the mold. Instead of glorifying superheroes, the film takes them apart, exposing their flaws and the darker side of vigilantism. Where other movies might show heroes as society’s saviors, Watchmen highlights how their actions can actually magnify the world’s problems, giving the story a gritty, realistic edge.

Unlike typical superhero tales that build up their characters as shining beacons, Watchmen pushes its cast toward psychological unraveling. This tension between action and ideals is something rarely seen in mainstream media, making the film stand out even more.

Snyder’s signature style—gritty visuals and a moody atmosphere—fits perfectly with the story’s tone. Combined with its exploration of morality, society, and the human mind, Watchmen offers a cinematic experience that’s hard to replicate. The film’s themes remain as relevant as ever, helping it endure long after its release.

Watchmen at a Glance

Movie: Watchmen
Director: Zack Snyder
Major Cast: Jackie Earle Haley, Malin Åkerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64% (critics) | 71% (audience)
Box Office: $ 185 Million

Watchmen is currently available to stream on HBO Max in the US.