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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Warner Bros. Watches Watchmen to Gauge Health

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(Newser) – Warner Brothers restructured last year to focus on producing blockbusters like The Dark Knight, and now the studio is waiting to see if the move pays off with Watchmen, the Financial Times reports. Warner can finance a slew of films with profits from one “tent pole” movie. “The obvious thing we’re going to take from” Dark Knight, Time Warner’s CEO said, is “more Dark Knight.”

Warner’s COO seems pretty confident in the $130 million superhero epic Watchmen, which opened today. “We are in the zeitgeist now,” he said, “and I would be surprised if it doesn’t do $60 million or even more this weekend.” It had better: Warner’s new production model promises “improved profitability,” the CEO said, but only after “reducing output.” Meaning, fewer chances to strike it rich.

Malin Akerman stars as Silk Spectre II in a scene from the film
Malin Akerman stars as Silk Spectre II in a scene from the film "Watchmen."   (AP Photo)
Warner Bros. had great success with
Warner Bros. had great success with "The Dark Knight."   (AP Photo)
Jeffrey Dean Morgan stars as The Comedian in a scene from the film,
Jeffrey Dean Morgan stars as The Comedian in a scene from the film, "Watchmen."   (AP Photo)
Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes.
Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes.   (AP Photo)
Alan Horn, President and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment.
Alan Horn, President and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment.   (AP Photo)
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