Patrick Wilson portrayed the second Nite Owl, Dan Dreiberg, in the film.[3] Although not a comics fan, Wilson enjoyed Watchmen upon reading it and opted to gain weight for the part, rather than wear a fatsuit. Stephen McHattie portrayed the elder Nite Owl, Hollis Mason. Clint Carleton played the younger Mason in the Minutemen flashbacks. During several attempts to get Watchmen adapted as a film, Kevin Costner, Christopher Walken and Richard Gere were each considered for the part. John Cusack, who is an admitted fan of the graphic novel, expressed great interest in playing the role.[4]
Although Wilson's role remained relatively faithful to his comics' counterpart, the Nite Owl costume was radically changed, because Zack Snyder wanted him to look more intimidating.[citation needed] While he retains his night vision goggles, utility belt and thick cape from the comic, the brown spandex/leather bodysuit has been replaced with chain mail-type armor.[citation needed]