Sandman writer Neil Gaiman recently revealed that production on Netflix's adaptation of his seminal DC Vertigo comic series is now underway, and in a new interview, he drops some intriguing hints about what fans can expect from the show.
Gaiman promises that the series will be genuinely scary, and won't shy away from some of the more disturbing aspects of his beloved tale - including the infamous "24 Hours" issue, which sees the deranged Dr. Destiny manipulate, torture and murder a group of customers in an all-night diner.
“I suspect that nothing that we do in that episode when it’s shot will be as disturbing as listening to it on Audible," said Gaiman, referencing the superb audio adaptation. "Because when you’re listening to it, you can't look away from a screen. So you are utterly complicit in every death, every moment of pain, and every awful thing that happens in that episode.”
Though no cast members have been officially announced (Tom Sturridge will reportedly play Morpheus), it sounds like all of the main players are now in place. Gaiman doesn't give anything away in that regard, but does tease the "astonishing" actress they've chosen to play Dream's far more personable big sister, Death.
“I feel incredibly lucky and privileged that we got her. The key to me with Death is that, more than any of the other characters in Sandman, they have to be filled with love and sensibleness. That sensibleness and love is manifest in this actress. I don’t think anybody is going to have any complaints.”
The 11-episode first season of The Sandman is expected to adapt the first arc of the Vertigo comics series, "Preludes and Nocturnes," which finds Morpheus captured by a black magician and held prisoner for the better part of a century. When he finally escapes, he sets about recovering three very important items, encountering Lucifer, John Constantine, Doctor Destiny, Martian Manhunter and more on his travels.
Gaiman is developing the show along with David S. Goyer and Allan Heinberg. No premiere date has been set.