Zack Snyder’s dense adaptation of the landmark graphic novel – set in an alternate 1985 where masked vigilantes are real – was filmed in Vancouver, Canada, whose city and studios built its grim retro-future New York.
Where was Watchmen filmed?
Watchmen was filmed in and around Vancouver, Canada – the city, Burnaby and local studios.
Every Watchmen location, explained
1
Alternate New York – Vancouver
The film’s 1985 New York used Vancouver streets and civic buildings.
2
Burnaby and Coquitlam
Scenes used Burnaby and Coquitlam in Metro Vancouver.
3
The studios
Sets were built at studios in Burnaby, British Columbia.
4
The retro-future world
The film’s grim alternate America was assembled around Vancouver.
Planning a visit
Vancouver – which built the film’s alternate New York – is a real, accessible city in British Columbia.
Watchmen Fun Facts
1
Filmed in Vancouver The alternate-1985 New York was built from Vancouver locations.
2
Based on a graphic novel It adapts the landmark comic by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.
3
A Zack Snyder film Zack Snyder directed the dense, faithful adaptation.
4
Masked vigilantes The story imagines a world where costumed heroes are real.
5
Dr Manhattan The blue, godlike Dr Manhattan is the film’s most striking figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Watchmen filmed?
In and around Vancouver, Canada – the city, Burnaby and local studios.
Is it set in Vancouver?
No – it’s set in an alternate New York, filmed in Vancouver.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Vancouver is a real, accessible city.
Who directed Watchmen?
Zack Snyder.
Is it based on a comic?
Yes – the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.
