Anyone who watched Watchmen likely knows that was a task easier said than done, as Dr. Manhattan frequently alluded to events that had not happened yet.
In regards to the performance as Dr. Manhattan specifically, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II said his primary objective was to be as present as possible with his character in scenes.
This required some faith in Damon Lindelof, and that the story would translate in kind and show that Dr. Manhattan’s unique existence would shine through in the story and plot.