Since its release, Zack Snyder’s 2009 film adaptation of Watchmen has both fascinated and frustrated fans of the iconic graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. While the movie brought the story’s complex world of superheroes to life, it also contains several glaring mistakes in its production that fans have noticed and find hard to ignore. These Zack Snyder Watchmen mistakes range from continuity errors and visual glitches to on-set bloopers that persist throughout the film.
Unintentional Appearances on Set
In the film’s opening scene, during a violent altercation in The Comedian’s apartment, viewers can spot an unexpected figure lurking near the kitchen counter. This “lumpy” presence disappears in the subsequent shot, which could typically be dismissed as a simple continuity error. However, director Zack Snyder confessed this was not a mistake but rather him attempting to stay out of sight while observing the sequence being filmed. This hidden cameo gives an unusual behind-the-scenes glimpse in an otherwise serious sequence.
Inconsistencies with the Minutemen Group Photo
The opening credits introduce viewers to the original superhero team known as The Minutemen, showcasing a black-and-white photograph of the group. Interestingly, the original Nite Owl is positioned centrally, with his head blocking the date on the banner indicating the team’s formation year. Later uses of the same photo in the film, however, reveal a different version where the banner has been adjusted to display the year clearly. This discrepancy creates confusion regarding the precise timeline and continuity of the photo’s appearance.
The Comedian’s Grave Misjudged Size
A solemn moment occurs when the burial of Eddie Blake, also known as The Comedian, is shown. Despite the gravity of the scene, a glaring mistake is visible from an aerial shot: the grave appears too shallow by nearly a foot, making the casket seem unevenly positioned. This sizing error disrupts the authenticity of the sequence and draws unwanted attention to the cemetery’s apparent failure to provide a proper resting place for such a pivotal character.
Rapid Footwear Switch During Prison Break
During the high-stakes breakout of Rorschach from prison, Silk Spectre leaps from the anti-gravity device Archimedes, revealing her signature tall stiletto heels. However, as she engages with prisoners in combat, the footwear briefly transforms into flat shoes worn by the stunt double. This visual inconsistency happens quickly but is noticeable to attentive viewers, breaking the immersion of the carefully choreographed action scene.
Bubastis’ Missing Reflection Raises Visual Questions
Following a grim moment where Ozymandias poisons his scientists in Antarctica, he exits the room accompanied by Bubastis, his striking red-furred feline companion. Although the animal moves alongside Ozymandias, the visual effects neglect to include Bubastis’ reflection on the polished surfaces, showing only Ozymandias and his cape mirrored. This oversight undermines the realism of the scene, especially given the detailed attention to other visual elements in the film.
Ozymandias’ Bullet Catch Reveals a Hand Swap
In the film’s climax, Silk Spectre draws a gun on Ozymandias and fires, with the bullet appearing to be caught by him in mid-air. Yet, a continuity error muddles this moment: although Ozymandias instinctively moves his left arm forward to catch the bullet, he is later shown holding the bullet in his right hand after rolling away. This hand mismatch detracts from the intended impact of his superhuman reflexes and leaves fans perplexed over the mistake.
Visible Non-CGI Doctor Manhattan Reflection
After the heroes uncover the extent of Ozymandias’ plan, another surprising slip emerges in a shot focusing on Nite Owl. Reflected in his goggles is Doctor Manhattan, but instead of the finished blue glowing figure created through visual effects, what appears is the actor Billy Crudup wearing an LED suit used during filming. This error exposes a raw, unfinished element of production technology to the audience, standing out against the otherwise polished visuals of the character.
“Watchmen Star Reveals His One Regret About the Iconic DC Movie”
Lasting Effects of These Errors on Fans
While every major film has its share of on-set mistakes and continuity slip-ups, the seven centered here significantly impact how some viewers experience Zack Snyder’s Watchmen. The film’s intense and complex narrative means these errors interrupt immersion, causing tension between fans who appreciate the adaptation and those fixating on the flaws. Given the film’s legacy as a defining superhero adaptation, these Zack Snyder Watchmen mistakes persist as points of debate and amusement.
Future releases, whether remastered versions or upcoming adaptations, might address such mistakes through improved editing or corrections in digital formats. Meanwhile, fans continue to dissect the 2009 film in detail, highlighting how even highly regarded productions face challenges maintaining perfection through the demanding process of filmmaking.
