When it comes to big and small screen adaptations, the last decade has proven fruitful for legendary writer Neil Gaiman. His novel, Coraline, was adapted into the critically-acclaimed, award-winning film of the same name, and he currently has not one, but two TV series based on his works. American Gods, which takes place in a world where physical manifestations of deities walk among us, has been renewed for a third season, and Good Omens stands as one of this year’s best new shows – be sure to check out our review if you haven’t already.
With his work having found a home on Amazon Video and Starz, it seems Gaiman has another streaming service in his sights. As you’ve surely heard, Netflix is currently working on an adaptation of The Sandman comic book series, which was originally published from 1989 to 1996 by DC Comics.
For the past two decades, a handful of Hollywood screenwriters and directors have tried to bring it to the big screen, but the project was stuck in development hell, and eventually made its way to TV. After a few more years of bouncing from network to network – with Fox even developing an entirely new series, Lucifer, based on a character from the comics – it finally landed at Netflix, with Allan Heinberg serving as showrunner.
For a project that’s been spinning its wheels for 20-odd years, it’s understandable some fans are worried about how the small screen adaptation will fare, especially when taking into account the nuanced writing of the original comics. Gaiman recently addressed these concerns on Twitter though, noting the series will be set 30 years in the future and saying:
I’m hoping we can make something on television that feels as personal and true as the best of the Sandman comics did. Just set thirty years later than Sandman the comic.
We’re not entirely sure if Netflix’s Sandman ties into any existing DC projects, but we’re curious to see how this adaptation pans out regardless. At the time of writing, there’s no information regarding a production schedule, scripts, or casting, so it seems we’ll be waiting for quite a while, but as always, we’ll update you on any official announcements as they come in.