The new Alan Moore adaptation has got Moore’s seal of approval already, which is huge news, as he has hated nearly all adaptations of his work for 35 years. Alan Moore is one of the comic book world’s greatest titans, rivaling the likes of Stan Lee for influence. Moore wrote some of the world’s best comic books, but often distanced himself from the movies and TV shows made from them. However, one new adaptation seems surprisingly satisfactory by Moore’s standards. On closer inspection, this reveals how Moore adaptations should have been made in the first place.
Much of Alan Moore’s best work has been adapted for the screen in the past, from Watchmen to V For Vendetta. While Moore proclaimed himself proud of the lasting impact of V For Vendetta, referring to the widely used V masks in protest movements, he derided the movie. He told The New York Times, “I’ve read the screenplay… it’s rubbish.” Moore also claimed the Watchmen TV show was “embarrassing.” Moore is a tough crowd, making the upcoming The Great When: A Long London Novel adaptation unique and tantalizing, in that Moore has actually expressed his support.
The Great When Is The First Adaptation Alan Moore Actually Approves Of (& That’s Huge)
Alan Moore Is Excited About The Great When Adaptation
British period drama specialist Playground is set to adapt Alan Moore’s The Great When novel, and Alan Moore is uncharacteristically excited about it. Moore released the first Long London novel in October 2024, which is the first of a quintet. This prose release is to be adapted into a multi-season TV series, and Alan Moore said “I have little doubt that this will be anything short of spectacular“ (Deadline). This uncommon approval from Moore marks a turning point in his career and a big step forward. Fans could soon enjoy an Alan Moore adaptation that meets Moore’s standards.
Why Alan Moore Is Positive About The Great When After Disowning Past Adaptations
Moore Feels He May Be Able To Input Into The Great When Adaptation
Alan Moore criticized former adaptations for diverging from his work too much, but it looks like The Great When is positioned well to avoid this issue. Moore criticized the Watchmen TV show for having “nothing to do with [his] work.” (GQ). Moore is notoriously unfavorable toward unfaithful adaptations of his publications, which is fair enough. Moore hasn’t felt that his work was fairly represented. However, Moore commented that he has managed to establish a positive working relationship with Playground, which seems to have been missing between Moore and studios with former adaptations.
Moore struggled to keep a hold of rights to his work throughout his career, resulting in his deep critiques of the industry.
Moore’s key comment on his relationship with Playground was, “I’ve connected with people who respect… me and the narrative and are receptive to such input as I can offer” (Deadline). This goes to show that Moore has never felt like he has been given due rights or input regarding adaptations of his work. Indeed, he hasn’t – Moore struggled to keep a hold of rights to his work throughout his career, resulting in his deep critiques of the industry. But Moore trusts that Playground will honor his opinion. Finally, Alan Moore fans can look forward to a Moore-approved adaptation.
Source: The New York Times, Deadline, GQ
