In both the graphic novel and its cinematic adaptation, “Watchmen,” the narrative culminates with Ozymandias (portrayed by Matthew Goode), executing a catastrophic event that results in the deaths of millions. While the original comic depicts this disaster as the release of a massive, otherworldly squid in New York City, the film presents a different catastrophe: Ozymandias frames the superhuman entity Doctor Manhattan (Billy Crudup) by using devices that mimic Manhattan’s energy. This prompts global unity to confront a perceived common threat.
The change to the plot was considered necessary, given the context in which the movie was made. Screenwriter David Hayter reflected on the post-9/11 sentiment, suggesting that the original comic book ending with its extensive casualties in a major city might be too unsettling for contemporary audiences. He explains that the horrific events should instead imply the deaths without graphic depictions, drawing a parallel to the symbolic shadows in the “Watchmen” comic akin to those left behind by the atomic bomb in Hiroshima.
“[W]e knew that it was going to be very difficult to do the ending of the book, and plus, since 9/11 had happened, we also, I didn’t feel that we should have all those images of the dead bodies in Times Square, and I felt that that was not appropriate. So that inspired me to say, ‘People should just be blown to shadows, like the Hiroshima shadows that are painted on the walls in the comic book.’”
The decision for the revised ending came about during a brief period when Darren Aronofsky was in talks to direct the film before Zack Snyder took the helm.
FAQs about the Watchmen Film’s Ending
- What is the difference between the comic and movie ending of “Watchmen”?
- The comic book ends with an alien squid monster attacking New York City, while the movie alters this to depict Ozymandias framing Doctor Manhattan for a series of devastating explosions.
- Why was the ending of “Watchmen” changed for the film?
- The screenwriters felt that after the events of 9/11, the destruction of a New York City-like metropolis would be too disturbing for audiences, and it was deemed inappropriate to show graphic images of mass casualties.
- Did Zack Snyder come up with the new ending for the “Watchmen” movie?
- No, the idea for changing the ending originated during a weekend when Darren Aronofsky was considered to direct the film.
Conclusion
The “Watchmen” movie’s ending stands as one of the most contentious deviations from a source material in the realm of comic book adaptations. Though Zack Snyder is often associated with this bold narrative choice, the conception of the alternate ending, driven by considerations of post-9/11 sensitivities and the need for an adaptable storyline in a cinematic format, originated before his involvement in the project. This demonstrates the collaborative and evolutionary nature of translating a beloved graphic novel to the big screen, especially one that tackles such complex and mature themes. The result is a film that balances homage to the original work with a distinct approach tailored for a different medium and a changed world.