How Watchmen Changed Zack Snyder’s View of DC Fans

When it comes to superhero flicks, few directors have left a mark quite like Zack Snyder. His 2009 adaptation of Watchmen is often hailed as his standout work, and for good reason. In a chat with EW, Snyder opened up about how his deep respect for the original graphic novel shaped his approach, and how that process helped him get why comic book fans—especially those who back DC—are so full-on about their favourites.

Personal Connection: Why Watchmen Strikes a Chord

Snyder described Watchmen as something that feels tailor-made for its audience.

“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 connection isn’t just limited to comics—it pops up in novels, games, telly, and films too. As a long-time fan himself, Snyder was able to tap into what made the source material tick, resulting in a Watchmen adaptation that hit home for heaps of punters.

Making Watchmen: A Director’s Labour of Love

While Snyder’s version of Watchmen is often put up there as one of the best superhero films ever, it wasn’t the first attempt to bring the story to the big screen. He was actually the last in a line of directors to take a crack at it, stepping in after Terry Gilliam left the project. That change led Snyder to rework the script into the version we know today.

This move didn’t go down well with everyone. Some fans of the original comic and those who were keen on Gilliam’s vision weren’t thrilled. In a past interview with HuffPost, Snyder explained his reasoning, saying he made the film for himself because he truly understood the material.

“Yeah, the fans would have stormed the castle on that one. So, honestly, I made ‘Watchmen’ for myself. It’s probably my favourite 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 labour 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.”

Despite a few diehards still taking the mickey out of his choices, most viewers and fans recognised the film as something special.

Why Watchmen Still Resonates Years Later

One reason Watchmen has stuck around is its unique approach to the superhero genre. Instead of putting heroes on a pedestal, it pulls them apart, showing their flaws and the darker side of vigilantism. Where other films might show vigilantes cleaning up society, Watchmen highlights how their actions can actually make things worse, giving the story a gritty, realistic edge.

Unlike the usual journey where a character becomes a shining symbol, Watchmen’s cast spirals further into chaos and psychological struggle. This clash between action and ideals is something you don’t see much in other media. Snyder’s trademark gritty style fits perfectly here, making the film stand out visually and thematically. The story’s focus on morality, society, ethics, and the human mind keeps it relevant, no matter how much time passes.

Watchmen by the Numbers

Here’s a quick look at the film’s key details:

Film: Watchmen
Director: Zack Snyder
Main Cast: Jackie Earle Haley, Malin Åkerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64% | 71%
Box Office: $185 Million

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