Having spent decades trying to prevent adaptations of his story The Sandman from being made, Neil Gaiman finally relented for this new Netflix series… and we couldn’t be happier that the show has become a reality.
Starring a cast including Tom Sturridge, Gwendoline Christie and Jenna Coleman, the tale is based on the comic book series of the same name, first published by DC Comics.
On Wednesday evening, the stars came out in their droves at the world premiere in London to celebrate its release on the glitzy red carpet, before viewers are absorbed into a fantastical world of dreams… and nightmares.
When is The Sandman being released?
The Sandman is being released on Netflix on Friday August 5.
The first season consists of 10 episodes, all of which will be made available to watch on the same day.
Typically, Netflix shows drop at 8am UK time, which will be 3am Eastern Time and midnight Pacific Time in the US.
Who is in the cast?
Tom Sturridge
To kick off the rundown of this dreamy cast, Tom plays Morpheus, otherwise known as Dream, who is – aptly – the king of dreams.
Gwendoline Christie
Taking on the role of Lucifer Morningstar – believed to have been inspired by David Bowie in the comics – is Game of Thrones star Gwendoline, who played Brienne of Tarth in the fantasy series.
Jenna Coleman
As a former companion of the Doctor, Jenna is no stranger to sci-fi and the supernatural, as she portrays occult detective Johanna Constantine.
Kirby Howell-Baptiste
Kirby Howell-Baptiste depicts Death in the series, a sister of Dream’s. Neil recently revealed a scene in which Death greets an elderly man in his final moments made him cry.
Charles Dance
Another Game of Thrones star enters the fray, as Charles Dance stars as Sir Roderick Burgess, a charlatan occultist.
Stephen Fry
In The Sandman, Stephen Fry appears as a man named Gilbert, who becomes a bodyguard to Kyo Ra’s character, Rose Walker, concealing a sword within his cane.
Joely Richardson
Two actors star as Ethel Cripps in The Sandman, one of them being Joely Richardson. Ethel is the fiancée of Sir Roderick Burgess, and the mother of David Thewlis’ John Dee.
Vivienne Acheampong
In the TV series, the comic book character Lucien – the librarian of Dreaming and the guardian of Dream’s realm – has been changed into Lucienne, with Vivienne Acheampong playing the role.
Sanjeev Bhaskar
Sanjeev Bhaskar depicts Cain, based on the biblical figure of the same name.
Asim Chaudhry
Joining the roster of biblical-inspired figures if Asim Chaudhry as Abel.
Patton Oswalt
Several characters in The Sandman are voiced by well-known actors, including Dream’s emissary and ally Matthew the Raven, voiced by Patton Oswalt.
Mark Hamill
While Star Wars icon Mark Hamill provides the voice of Merv Pumpkinhead in The Sandman, the character’s body performance is by Nicholas Anscombe. One of Mark’s most celebrated roles in his career was as the Joker in DC animated series.
Sir Lenny Henry
Sir Lenny Henry has a busy few months ahead, ahead of his role in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. In The Sandman, he voices the much-loved Martin Tenbones.
David Thewlis
Dr John Dee, played by Harry Potter and Wonder Woman star David Thewlis, is the mother of Joely Richardson’s Ethel Cripps.
Mason Alexander Park
Mason Alexander Park stars as Desire in The Sandman, a sibling of Tom’s character Dream.
Donna Preston
Donna Preston, who previously appeared in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, plays Despair, Desire’s twin.
Niamh Walsh
The younger version of Ethel Cripps, Joely’s character, is played by Niamh Walsh, pictured here with Laurie Kynaston as Alex Burgess.
Boyd Holbrook
In The Sandman, Boyd Holbrook plays the character named Corinthian, a nightmare who has escaped the Dreaming and has no desire to return, who wears glasses over his missing eyes.
Kyo Ra
Amid Corinthian’s escape from the Dreaming, a teenager named Rose Walked – played by Kyo Ra – goes on a quest in search of her brother, discovering a connection with Dream in the process.
Razane Jammal
While here, Lyta (Razane Jammal) and her husband Hector (Lloyd Everitt) appear happy and at peace, in the show, it’s revealed that Lyta – a friend of Rose’s – is mourning her husband’s death.
Sandra James-Young
Sandra James-Young stars as Unity Kinkaid in the show, a benefactor of Rose’s who was out of action in a slumber for a hundred years.
The Sandman premieres on Netflix on Friday August 5.
