Who watches the Watchmen?
The classic comic series Watchmen by acclaimed writer Alan Moore is often seen as a benchmark of quality comics and graphic novels, later being adapted for the screen in the divisive Zack Snyder film Watchmen in 2009.
The story follows an alternate reality in the United States in which masked vigilantes and heroes became outlawed due to their violent methods, following which some dark murders indicate a revolution is at work.
However, now acclaimed US cable network HBO is bringing us an all-new original series with an all-star cast including the likes of Regina King, Jeremy Irons, Jean Smart, Tim Blake Nelson, and - yes - Robert Redford.
But where does this epic new series from Lost writer Damon Lindelof come from?
And when can we expect it to hit our screens?
Here is all you need to know.
Watchmen HBO series release date
Watchmen premieres in the UK on October 21, 2019, on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV.
This is the day following its US premiere on HBO.
Watchmen HBO series cast
*Warning: spoilers for Watchmen*
Regina King as Detective Angela Abar/Sister Night
The Oscar-winner portrays the lead detective of Tulsa Police Force and a mother of three who begins wearing a mask to protect her home from a dangerous group of vigilantes.
Jeremy Irons as Ozymandias/Adrian Veidt
The renowned thespian plays an aging and imperious lord of a British Manor and former superhero with some very pragmatic schemes, having appeared as a younger character in the original Watchmen comic.
Don Johnson as Chief Judd Crawford
The Knives Out star plays the Tulsa Chief of Police.
Jean Smart as FBI Agent Laurie Blake (formerly Silk Spectre)
The Fargo star plays an older version of the classic Watchmen heroine known as the Silk Spectre, who is now a jaded FBI agent.
Tim Blake Nelson as Looking Glass/Detective Wade Tillman
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs actor plays a mysterious masked detective.
Louis Gossett Jr. as Will Reeves/Hooded Justice
A man in a wheelchair who Angela encounters and later learns is her grandfather.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Cal Abar/Doctor Manhattan/Dr. Jon Osterman
The Aquaman star plays the husband of King's character, who is revealed in the conclusion of episode 7 to be Doctor Manhattan.
Tom Mison as Mr. Phillips
A butler in the home of Veidt.
Frances Fisher as Jane Crawford
Chief Judd's wife.
Sara Vickers as Ms. Crookshanks
A maid in the home of Veidt.
Hong Chau as Lady Trieu
A mysterious trillionaire.
Andrew Howard as Red Scare
A masked hero with the police.
Jacob Ming-Trent as Panda
A masked member of the police force.
James Wolk as Senator Joseph Keene
A US senator who is keen to run for president against sitting leader, President Redford.
Robert Redford as President Robert Redford
The veteran actor came out of retirement to portray a fictionalised version of himself and leader of the USA.
Watchmen HBO series trailer
Multiple trailers for the much-anticipated series have now been released.
The most revealing and recently-released can be found at the top of the article.
Watchmen HBO series plot
The new original series is set 34 years after the events of the classic comic.
Taking place in an alternate version of 2019 Tulsa, Oklahoma, the country is ruled by its longest-serving president, Robert Redford, who was elected in 1992.
The action follows an ominous uprising of a masked radical terrorist group called The Seventh Cavalry, who all don homemade Rorschach masks akin to the classic Watchmen vigilante.
The group are attacking the homes of police members, prompting the police themselves to don their own masks to take them down.
But where do the classic heroes of the past come into events?
Watchmen season 1 episode guide
1. It's Summer and We're Running Out of Ice
In an alternate America where police conceal their identities behind masks to protect themselves from a terrorist organization, Detective Angela Abar investigates the attempted murder of a fellow officer under the guidance of her friend and Chief, Judd Crawford. Meanwhile, the Lord of a Country Estate receives an anniversary gift from his loyal servants.
2. Martial Feats of Comanche Horsemanship
As Angela relives haunting memories of an attack on her family, she detains a mysterious man who claims responsibility for Tulsa's most recent murder. Elsewhere, an original play is performed for an audience of one.
3. She Was Killed by Space Junk
Following a late-night visit from the senator who authored Masked Policing Legislation in Oklahoma, FBI agent Laurie Blake heads to Tulsa to take over the recent murder investigation. The Lord of The Manor receives a harshly worded letter and responds accordingly.
4. If You Don't Like My Story, Write Your Own
Reclusive trillionaire Lady Trieu finally enters the stage with a mysterious offer. With Blake getting closer to the truth of her coverup, Angela enlists Looking Glass for help. Meanwhile, The Lord trains two new servants.
5. Little Fear of Lightning
The origin story of Looking Glass is at last revealed, as is the truth behind the greatest hoax in American history. Far away, The Smartest Man in The World plots a daring escape.
6. This Extraordinary Being
Deep under the influence of Nostalgia, Angela gets a firsthand account of her grandfather's journey.
7. An Almost Religious Awe
Under Lady Trieu's care, Angela undergoes an unconventional treatment while Agent Blake chases down a lead. Elsewhere, The Smartest Man in The World delivers a stunning defense of his past actions.
8. A Gods Walks into a Bar
Angela's mysterious past in Vietnam is at last revealed.
9. See How They Fly
Everything ends. For real this time.
Watchmen begins on October 20, 2019, on HBO in the US.
Are you excited for Watchmen? Let us know in the comments below.
