The Watchmen has long been one of the greatest fan-favorites ever since the series was initially released by DC Comics back in 1986. Over the years, it has been adapted into a video game, a motion comic series, as well as two live-action projects in the late 2000s and 2010s.
Now, it is once again returning to the screens through a two-part animated film series by WB.
But while WB is excitedly promoting the upcoming movies that will be released completely over the course of 2 years, some people from the superhero universe’s fandom don’t seem all that pleased.
This is because, after watching the first teaser trailer of this animated film series, they are accusing WB of copying the same success formula that MAU used with its smash-hit What If…? series.
Watchmen Film Series Feels Oddly Familiar to MAU’s What If…?
Recently, Warner Bros. Entertainment took to their respective X handle @WBHomeEnt to share an insight into their next animated project that will soon be hitting the screens and seemingly bringing all that immersive entertainment back: The Watchmen animated film series.
Danger is on the horizon. #Watchmen Chapters 1 & 2 coming soon. pic.twitter.com/4oChoZ97dt
— Warner Bros. Entertainment (@WBHomeEnt) June 13, 2024
This project will be a “two-part movie event,” consisting of Chapter I and Chapter II, which will be released over the course of two years. Moreover, while the first chapter will reportedly hit the screens later this year, the second chapter is expected to hit the screens by 2025.
Judging from this first teaser trailer alone, it most certainly feels like “Danger is on the horizon,” as WB captioned this tweet. Needless to say, the animation seems as perfect as could be asked for, and this teaser is enough to pique fans’ anticipation for this project.
Adding perfectly to these dark themes was Rorschach’s voice actor teasing in the background:
There is good and there is evil. And evil must be punished. I do not do this thing because it is permitted. I do it because I have to.
But while all is exciting and that’s that, fans can’t help but observe how similar the brightly dark themes, tones, and animation in this series seem to that of the blockbuster fan-beloved What If…? animated series from the Marvel Animation Universe (MAU).
That being said, ever since then, those very fans have been accusing WB of copying MAU’s success formula for their own animated series, considering how one of the major reasons behind the series’ immaculate 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is because of its breathtaking animation.
Meanwhile, other fans simply celebrate this as a win-win situation for WB and the DC Animated Movie Universe as they patiently wait for the movie series‘ release.
Fans are Accusing WB of Copying MAU’s Animation Formula
Ever since WB shared that teaser trailer for this upcoming animated film series, fans have been pointing out how the animation looks like a rip-off version of the one MAU used for its respective animated series, with some even having the most sarcastic reactions to it all.
Taking to X, here is a sum up of these fans’ reactions to this first teaser trailer:
What if…? The watchmen joined the MCU
— MightyB (AJ) (@Josiahhh444) June 13, 2024
The animation is similar to What If & this adaptation can correct Snyder’s mistakes!
— Batnarc (@batnarc573511) June 13, 2024
copying same style as marvel 😂
— Haaland freekick fail (@ZeroFromTheSpot) June 13, 2024
Not sure if I like the whole CG look, this ain`t "WHAT IF"! Watchmen is one of the most iconic comic and media of all times, not sure if this will be as good as if in 2d which has never been done! A Movie, TV Show, Comic, but never a 2d series, maybe this could be good who know? pic.twitter.com/r8OadcPgfK
— SKORN THE IMP! (@CriticGerald) June 13, 2024
they really gave it the What If aesthetic rather than the Arcane one what should i feel about this
— yoodadude (@yoodadude) June 13, 2024
I can't be the only one who doesn't care for this Marvel "What If?" style of animation.
Very disappointed & wish they'd gone another direction.
— ⚡ Varlinator ⚡ (@TheVarlinator) June 13, 2024
The animation is giving some serious What if…? Vibes.
— jbeardontcare.bsky.social🍉 (@jbeardontcare21) June 13, 2024
I see a bit of Watchmen in your What if…
— Rodrigo A. (@rodriproto) June 13, 2024
Needless to say, these fan reactions are more than enough to let WB know that it seriously needs to bring about some more creative and originally originated ideas for its next projects.
However, at the same time, this just might end up blowing up everyone’s expectations with a storyline that might make fans forget about all of these accusations, so we might as well still hope for things to go the right way with the movie series’ release.
Watchmen Chapter I currently holds a direct-to-VOD / Blu-ray for home viewing release window of August 2024. Meanwhile, you can stream What If…? on Disney+.
