First Watchmen Set Photos Might Reveal A Classic Comic Book Character

HBO’s Watchmen TV series is plowing ahead and we now have some set photos to prove it.

But first, let’s rewind a bit. Recently, showrunner Damon Lindelof revealed that the project would be more of a sequel to, or perhaps a reimagining of, the acclaimed graphic novel from Alan Moore. This was confirmed when breakdowns suggested the series would focus on original characters instead of the familiar team of costumed vigilantes.

The exact nature of these individuals is currently being kept under wraps, but new set pics could potentially hint at one familiar face making a comeback. Hollywood Pipeline shared some snaps of Don Johnson on set in Vancouver, which featured him decked out in some sort of police uniform. The site clarified what the images depict with the caption: “Don Johnson appears to head some form of parapolice organization in an alternative universe city of Tulsa.” Unfortunately, you’ll have to head on over to HP via the link below to view them.

Back to that caption, though, and while it won’t ring any bells for comic book fans, it’s possible that Johnson’s playing a revamped version of Hollis Mason, the original Nite-Owl. Mason was one of the original superheroes in Watchmen‘s universe who worked as a cop during the 1950s. By the 1980s, he’d retired to become a mechanic – and is killed during the events of the comic.

Then again, we could be on the wrong track here and Johnson might be playing an entirely original character. That would fit with those casting calls we previously mentioned, after all, which seemed to suggest that the officers of this “parapolice organization” would be the real stars of the series and not the likes of Doctor Manhattan, Silk Spectre and others.

All we know for sure is that Johnson is joined on Watchmen by Regina King, Tim Blake Nelson, Louis Gossett Jr., Adelaide Clemens and Andrew Howard, none of whom’s roles have been stated. Now that set pics are coming our way, though, it shouldn’t be too long before some concrete info arrives. Until then, however, let’s keep watching the Watchmen.