After years of delays and false starts, it appears that Netflix is finally going to be able to bring the highly-anticipated “Sandman” series to life. And the streaming service has already found the actor that will lead the series that is based on one of the most acclaimed comic book series of all time.
According to Collider, Netflix is in talks with Tom Sturridge to star as Dream, a character that also goes by the names Morpheus and, of course, Sandman. The series is based on the story created by writer Neil Gaiman and a number of artists including Sam Kieth and cover artist Dave McKean. The story follows Dream, part of a group of metaphysical characters that make up the Endless. Dream is the master of, well, dreams and is joined by Destiny, Death, Destruction, Desire, Despair, and Delirium in the Endless. It’s a trippy comic that explores all sorts of philosophical issues and is often regarded up there with “Watchmen” as one of the greatest comic book stories ever told.
Sturridge is a British actor that has yet to fully break out in a big way. His role in “Sandman” would be his largest role, by far. Previously, he’s been seen in films such as “Being Julia,” “Far from the Madding Crowd,” “Mary Shelley,” and most recently, “Velvet Buzzsaw.” He was also part of the cast of the British series “Sweetbitter.”
As mentioned, “Sandman” has had a number of people involved with bringing it to live in live-action. Currently, the team is led by Gaiman, David S. Goyer (“Batman Begins”), and Allan Heinberg (“Wonder Woman”). Previously, for a number of years, Joseph Gordon-Levitt was involved as a producer and possible star, but he dropped out before Netflix secured the rights most recently.
Production is said to begin in a few weeks, with a 2021 release most likely. Netflix seems really high on “Sandman,” as Gaiman previously said that he and his co-writers are already working on stories for Season 2.
