Everything You Should Know About DC's The Sandman
“The Sandman” Comics
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DC comics have featured several characters named Sandman, inspired by the figure in folklore who sprinkles sand in children’s eyes to induce sleep and dreams. In fact, “Sandman” writer Neil Gaiman originally pitched a revival of a previous series. He was asked instead to craft a new character. The result was Dream, also known as Morpheus, one the seven Endless - personifications of metaphysical concepts like Death, Desire, and Despair. A cult hit, Gaiman’s series ran for 75 issues from 1989 to 1996. It’s since received several new editions and spin-offs. Gaiman went on to write many other acclaimed works, such as “Good Omens” (with Terry Pratchett), “Neverwhere”, “American Gods”, and “Coraline”.
Ties to the DC Universe
The comics begin with Dream’s capture and escape back to his realm, the Dreaming. As Dream looks for purpose and grapples with past sins, the story becomes more intricate and complex. Initially however, as Gaiman found his way into the character and world, the comics featured numerous guest appearances and cameos from established DC characters. These include John Constantine, Martian Manhunter, the Scarecrow, and Etrigan the Demon. Some of these return in the last issues, in addition to Batman, Superman and others.
It Was Almost a Film
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Gaiman’s “Sandman” has a passionate fanbase and received critical acclaim … so why haven’t we seen an adaptation before now? Weeell let us tell you. In the mid 90s, “Aladdin” writers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio wrote a script, and Roger Avary, co-writer of “Pulp Fiction”, was also brought on board. However, Avary was fired after disagreements with infamous producer Jon Peters, who was also working on the failed “Superman Lives”. Kevin Smith has recounted his experiences writing for that project. For “The Sandman”, Peters reportedly wanted Dream to wear a cape and get into fist fights. According to Gaiman, Peters fired all the “really good people”, and the scripts got worse and worse. The project ended up languishing in development hell.
How It Became a Series
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Despite these setbacks, the dream of an adaptation lived on! In the 2010s, there was talk of a TV series, with various names attached, including James Mangold and Eric Kripke. In 2013, David S. Goyer, best known for his work on the Blade and Dark Knight Trilogies, announced that he would produce a film adaptation starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and written by Jack Thorne! Hallelujah right? Except that in 2016, Gordon-Levitt dropped out, citing creative differences. And screenwriter Eric Heisserer, who had been hired for rewrites, did the same, saying that the story really deserved a series. And you know what? He was right! A few years later, Netflix swooped in to produce.
It’s Related to “Lucifer” (2016-21)
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As a “Sandman” adaptation struggled to get off the ground, DC considered other options. Lucifer Morningstar, who debuted in “The Sandman” issue #4, had spun-off into his own comic series in the year 2000. He appeared in 2005’s “Constantine”, played by Peter Stormare. DC and Fox decided to give Lucifer his very own series, with the charming Tom Ellis cast as the eponymous angel. While Fox canceled the series after three seasons, it was plucked from the jaws of death by Netflix for another three. It’s a fairly loose adaptation, but technically it’s the same character. Gwendoline Christie will put on the wings for “The Sandman” version.
10 Episodes Plus 1
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Netflix has signed a deal with Warner Bros. for 11 episodes. Curiously, they describe this as “ten episodes (plus one)”. According to Gaiman, each episode is “wildly different” in tone and style. The first season releases all at once on August 5. As of writing, a second season has yet to be greenlit. In recent times, Netflix has been ruthless about canceling shows based on viewing data. They do usually allow shows at least a couple of seasons to prove themselves, though, and Gaiman has revealed that plans for a second season are already underway. So hopefully, season one will win over fans!
Showrunner Allan Heinberg
There are some exciting names attached to “The Sandman’s” production. Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Geinberg developed the series and serve as executive producers. Showrunner Allan Geinberg has written for both DC and Marvel Comics. In fact, he’s the original creator and writer of Marvel’s “Young Avengers”, launched in 2005. He also wrote a 5-issue arc for DC’s “JLA”, relaunched “Wonder Woman”, and was the screenwriter for the 2017 film! He’s a veteran of TV too, with numerous writing and producing credits. There’s a lot there to inspire confidence - it’s an adaptation from comic book lovers and writers.
Neil Gaiman Is Keeping It Faithful
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Gaimon’s involvement in the series is a good sign. He’s described his level of involvement as “more than American Gods” and “less than Good Omens”, on which he served as showrunner. The writer has promised that the series will remain faithful to the spirit of his comics. Having said that, the story will be set 30 years later - in 2021 rather than 1989. As such, some characters will be updated for modern times. Fortunately, the cast that will bring Gaiman’s characters to life looks incredible …
It Has a Worthy Cast
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Led by two-time Tony-nominated actor Tom Sturridge as Dream, “The Sandman” cast is STACKED with talent. “Game of Thrones” alumni Charles Dance and Gwendoline Christie play occultist Roderick Burgess and Lucifer respectively. Kirby Howell-Baptiste, from “Killing Eve”, “Barry” and “The Good Place”, plays Dream’s sister Death. The cast also features David Thewlis as John Dee, Patton Oswalt as the voice of Matthew the Raven, Stephen Fry as Gilbert, Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine, Boyd Holbrook as the Corinthian, and Mason Alexander Park as Desire. Oh yeah, and Mark Hamil voices cantankerous janitor Mervyn Pumpkinhead! Honestly, there are too many talented actors on the cast for us to even list here.
It Will Cover Volume 1 & More
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“The Sandman” comics have been divided into ten trade paperbacks. The first volume, “Preludes & Nocturnes”, which collects issues #1-8, introduces Dream, including his capture, escape, and quest to recover his lost totems of power. Without giving too much away, it also involves Lucifer and supervillain John Dee, aka Doctor Destiny. The second volume, “The Doll's House”, comprising issues #9-16, sees Dream on the trail of four missing creations, including the fiendish nightmare “The Corinthian”. Gaiman has said that season one of the TV series will cover “Preludes & Nocturnes” and “a little bit more”. So if you want to read the comics before watching the show, make sure to read at least issues #1-8 and … well, a little bit more, we guess, presumably from “The Doll’s House”!
