There are unforgettable graphic novels, and then there is Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman. Since its original run from January 1989 to March 1996, The Sandman has been frequently regarded as one of the best graphic novels of all time. A brainchild of Gaiman’s lucid imagination entwined with the Endless, a group of mysterious and omnipotent beings who have existed since the beginning of time itself, The Sandman follows the story of Morpheus aka Dream, one of the seven members of the Endless in an epic saga that is hardly contained in the colorful art and Gaiman’s captivating prose.
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Considering the impact that Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel have had on the dark fantasy genre, it’s quite unsurprising that The Sandman is often compared with Alan Moore’s Watchmen in terms of cultural impact. However, adapting the towering tome of fantasy realm spread over ten issues has not been an easy task. Back in 2013, David S. Goyer had teamed up with Joseph Gordon-Levitt for a film adapatation of the comic book series. Unfortunately, Levitt left the project citing creative differences, leaving the project in limbo. Later, the series was adapted by Audible for an audio-book with James McAvoy, Taron Egerton, Kat Dennings, Riz Ahmed, Andy Serkis, and other notable actors lending their voice.
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Back in 2019, reports of a television series based on The Sandman had emerged. And fortunately, the TV adaptation of the graphic novel has been greenlit by Netflix with David S. Goyer, Neil Gaiman, and Allan Heinberg attached as executive producers. With DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. involved as production partners, The Sandman adaptation has finally revealed its cast that has left fans euphoric.
Playing the lead role of Dream, or more popularly known as Morpheus, would be Tom Sturridge. The Being Julia star was chosen over Tom York and Colin Morgan to play the role of an Endless, the Lord of the Dreaming. Joining Sturridge is Vivienne Acheampong who is set to play the role of Lucienne, the Librarian of the Dreaming. Asim Chaudhry and Sanjeev Bhaskar will be joining the cast as Abel and Cain respectively. Narcos star Boyd Holbrook will be starring as Corinthian, an escaped nightmare who was originally created by Dream himself. The Sandman will also be re-uniting two notable Game of Thrones alumni, Charles Dance and Gwendoline Christie for the upcoming series. Charles Dance, who played the role of Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones will be playing the role of Roderick Burgess, the Lord Magus of The Order of the Ancient Mysteries who attempts to capture Death, but rather ends up imprisoning Dream in his stead. Finally, Gwendoline Christie, who rose to fame for her role as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones is confirmed to play the role of Lucifer Morningstar, the Ruler of Hell.
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Taron Egerton, who has lend his voice for John Constatine in Audible’s audio-book adaptation of The Sandman has also been reported to be attached to the Netflix adaptation of the graphic novel. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix’s The Sandman will have 11 episodes, with more episodes on the way depending on the reception. Though no official date has been revealed so far, The Sandman is expected to release later somewhere this year, or earlier next year.
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