“The Sandman” is a critically-acclaimed and popular comic by Neil Gaiman. Over the years, many productions planned to adopt the comic into a live series, but no one has successfully made the adaptation. Not until Netflix, the leader in the streaming industry, decided to give life to Gaiman’s work.
Netflix has brought together a plethora of British artists to make the series possible. Behind the camera are some of the industry’s finest, including Allan Heinberg, who is behind the hit 2006 Wonder Woman series, and David S. Goyer, a legend in the industry who has brought into fruition series like the “Foundation” onto a bigger platform. Gaiman, the author of the comic himself, has partnered with these hitmakers so he can help them give justice to The Sandman.
“The Sandman” series was supposed to air as a movie starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Additionally, The Sandman had a podcast version that launched in 2020 as preparation for its screen version. Nobody would have thought that it would make it this far. However, the band of the industry’s visionary has made the series possible.
However, there are still difficulties though. People who have read the comic have expectations that the production needs to satisfy. To translate what is said in the book to a screen version is a task that many have done and failed miserably.
How the series started
Episode 1 started with the King of Dreams, named Morpheus, played by Tom Sturridge, summoned by a wealthy Englishman, played by Charles Dance of the Game of Thrones. “Dream,” as he is called in the series, was summoned and trapped in a spell. The wealthy man bargained Dream – his freedom in exchange for youth, immortality, and wealth.
The capture of Dream wreaked havoc on the real world and the world he came from. And for over a century, Dream remained a prisoner, ensuing imbalance between the two worlds. In one incident, Dream was able to escape from the spell and was freed from his bondage. However, he was still weak without his lost items. And this is where his dilemma began – the search for the lost things that would have given him power.
Another dilemma facing Dream comes in the character of “The Corinthian,” starred by Boyd Holbrook, who wants to recapture Dream and even put an end to him. As the story continues, the battle between The Corinthian and Dream becomes apparent with the inclusion of other key characters in the story.
What other things can the Sandman offer
Netflix has cast other figures for the show, including Stephen Fry, David Thewlis, Joely Richardson, Mark Hamill and Patton Oswalt. Some of the stars appear in just one or two episodes.
However, many who have watched the series feel like the show has been limited due to the narrative structure it has taken to adapt. The Sandman is often compared to other works of Gaiman that have been screen-adopted, like “Good Omens.”
Netflix is known for its projects bringing into life comics and books to the screen. The streaming giant is also keen on producing sci-fi films about thrills, victories, and defeats, among others. “Cowboy Bebop” and “Jupiter’s Legacy” are some examples. However, most of these series did not even earn a second season. We can only hope as much for The Sandman.
Gaiman’s expertise on paper with The Sandman makes the comic open for many streaming platforms for adaptation. This means that if Netflix’s The Sandman won’t make it big, other streaming companies might approach its author and create a better production.
The series, as a comic, is a promising one, with elements that suggest more seasons. However, the first season aired on Netflix might have lessened the chance for a Season 2 as it delved more into the concept than justifying all the elements encapsulated in the series’ comic version.
However, all will remain to be seen as viewers are still catching up on Season 1, which has already premiered on August 5, exclusive for Netflix subscribers.
