Production on Netflix's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's acclaimed DC vertigo comic series The Sandman was originally scheduled for May, but with the COVID-19 shutdown still in full effect, that's obviously looking less and less likely. Updates have been few and far between since the show was officially announced last year, but we do have some new details on three of the supporting characters which would seem to suggest some big changes to the source material.
The first arc of The Sandman, Preludes and Nocturnes, begins in 18th Century England with the capture of Morpheus by the Lord Magus of the Order of the Ancient Mysteries, Roderick Burgess. When he dies some 30 years later, his son Alex takes over and keeps Dream prisoner. Burgess also had a mistress named Ethel Cripps (the mother of Doctor Destiny), who steals Morpheus’ helm, pouch, and ruby.
Dream escapes by the end of the first issue and none of these guys feature beyond that, but all three are listed as "important recurring characters," which obviously implies that we're going to be spending more than just the first couple of episodes in this time period. The Corinthian is expected to serve as the main villain for the first season, though, so chances are we will jump forward to a modern setting at some point.
The Sandman has languished in development hell for a long time, with several failed attempts to get the property off the ground as a movie. Fans will obviously be hoping that this latest venture yields results, but after being let down so many time, they'll probably only believe that it's really happening once they see a trailer. In the meantime, we'll have to make do with an official logline.
“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.”
Allan Heinberg (The Catch, Grey’s Anatomy) will write and serve as showrunner on The Sandman, while Gaiman and David Goyer (Constantine, Flashforward) are on board as executive-producers.