While Watchmen co-creator Dave Gibbons has expressed his tacit approval of the upcoming HBO series -- going as far to appear at the premiere -- his co-creator Alan Moore has been predictably more wary of the adaptation.
Watchmen showrunner Damon Lindelof revealed he sent Moore a letter asking for his blessing to adapt Moore and Gibbons' landmark comic book story for television. Instead, Lindelof received a frosty response from the comic book writer.
"I received a communication back from Alan, in which he made it clear -- and I want to respect this -- that he didn’t want his name to be used in any way," Lindelof told Vulture. "It’s not really possible for me not to mention his name, like he’s Voldemort. But if you want to support Alan Moore’s wishes, do not watch the show. That’s what he would want."
The HBO series takes place decades after the events of the comic, with law enforcement wearing masks to conceal their identities after being systemically targeted. As the risk of masks leads to increasing abuse of power, a new generation of heroes and villains rise.
Developed by Damon Lindelof, HBO's Watchmen stars Jeremy Irons, Regina King, Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson, Louis Gossett Jr., Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Tom Mison, James Wolk, Adelaide Clemens, Andrew Howard, Frances Fisher, Jacob Ming-Trent, Sara Vickers, Dylan Schombing, Lily Rose Smith and Adelynn Spoon. The series premieres Oct. 20.