Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman” has been a tough comic book series to adapt. Though many have tried none have been able to take the pictures off the pages and transfer it into live-action on the screen. That is, until now. As part of TUDUM: A Netflix Global Fan Event, Neil Gaiman (Author and EP), Tom Sturridge (Dream), and Kirby Howell-Baptiste (Death) revealed a mind-bending and visually captivating Exclusive First Look (video) at the long-awaited dark fantasy series of the same name.
Under DC’s Vertigo print, The Sandman original series ran for 75 issues from January 1989 to March 1996. Making use of anthropomorphic personification of various metaphysical entities, the series centers on Dream, also known as Morpheus and other names, who is one of the seven Endless. In the comics, Dream is captured and subsequently learns that sometimes change is inevitable. The other Endless are Destiny, Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium (formerly Delight), and Destruction (also known as ‘The Prodigal’).
Here’s the official plot synopsis for “The Sandman:”
A rich blend of modern myth and dark fantasy in which contemporary fiction, historical drama and legend are seamlessly interwoven, The Sandman follows the people and places affected by Morpheus, the Dream King, as he mends the cosmic–and human–mistakes he’s made during his vast existence.
Sturridge stars as Dream, with Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer, Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne, Boyd Holbrook as the Corinthian, Charles Dance as Roderick Burgess, Asim Chaudhry as Abel, and Sanjeev Bhaskar as Cain. Additionally, “The Sandman” also stars Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death, Mason Alexander Park as Desire, Donna Preston as Despair, Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine, Joely Richardson as Ethel Cripps, Niamh Walsh as young Ethel, David Thewlis as John Dee / Doctor Destiny, Kyo Ra as Rose Walker, Stephen Fry as Gilbert, Razane Jammal as Lyta Hall, Sandra James-Young as Unity Kinkaid, and Patton Oswalt as the voice of Matthew the Raven.
Though there isn’t a lot of information yet, Netflix did offer this very brief plot synopsis to go with the teaser trailer:
The Lord of Dreams has been summoned, and captured, by mortal men. Once free from his captivity, this eternal ruler of Dreams will realize that his troubles are only just beginning.
No word yet on when “The Sandman” hits, but you can expect all of that to change when more trailers and teasers are released. Until then. We just have to be patient.
