Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Culture

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Netflix Drops Its First Look at Neil Gaiman’s ‘Sandman’

Matthew Denis
By
The Sandman arrives, trapped in a magic circle by British magus Roderick Burgess and his Order of Ancient Mysteries occultists.
The Sandman arrives, trapped in a magic circle by British magus Roderick Burgess and his Order of Ancient Mysteries occultists. Image used with permission by copyright holder

Neil Gaiman’s Sandman has arrived and you don’t have to be an early twentieth century occultist to catch him. You do have to have been patient, though. 

It’s been 27 years since Neil Gaiman first started writing the groundbreaking comic series for DC (and later Vertigo), yet no official adaptations of the main storyline have been produced until now. The main reason: It’s complicated.

Recommended Videos

In the preview, the audience is transported to the night of June 10, 1916, where British magus Roderick Burgess is leading his occult Order of Ancient Mysteries in summoning and imprisoning Death, one of the seven Endless — anthropomorphic personifications of universal human traits; Desire, Despair, etc. Instead of capturing Death in its magic circle, though, it is Dream who drops from the aether. 

Drained from a recent odyssey, Dream was no match for Burgess’s spell that night. Though the sorcerer realizes his mistake, Burgess still steals Morpheus’ ethereal possessions: A red ruby, an alien-like helm and a pouch filled with, what else — sand. Held captive in a crystal prison over the next 70 years, Burgess (and subsequently, his son) attempt to coerce Dream into setting up a trap for his sister, Death, but Dream refuses to speak. On Sept. 14, 1988, after another failed attempt at conversation, Alex, now confined to a wheelchair, scuffed the binding circle, breaking the enchantment, leading to Dream’s escape. 

Got that so far? We haven’t even touched up the strange journey of Morpheus’ sacred objects and how one of them ends up in the hands of one of Lucifer’s demons. The Netflix series will likely spend the season following Dream’s pursuit of these essential items while learning how his captivity altered not only the Dreaming, but the waking world. 

Related Guides

The Sandman’s cast will include Tom Sturridge as Dream, Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer, Charles Dance as Roderick Burgess and Patton Oswalt as Matthew the Raven. Executive produced and co-written by Gaiman, Allan Heinberg and David S. Goyer, the series will stick as close as it can to the events that make up the first Sandman graphic novel, Preludes & Nocturnes, and adaptations to the current time. For example, the show begins in 2021 rather than 1989, with Dream now having been imprisoned for 105 years instead of 75 years. Since the comic delighted in non-linear storytelling, it is possible other episodes in the season will feature tales of people coming into contact with Morpheus, his subjects, and the other Endless.

While this Sandman adaptation will be faithful to the graphic narrative, it’s hard to imagine any filmed version coming within a mile of its scope and power. If Netflix’s version of The Sandman even approaches the novel’s incredible depth, it is sure to be an impactful feat and an impressive series.

Read More: The Morpheus Hotel Macau

Editors' Recommendations

Matthew Denis
Matthew Denis
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Matt Denis is an on-the-go remote multimedia reporter, exploring arts, culture, and the existential in the Pacific Northwest…
Apple just gave hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders a great reason to use Apple Maps and ditch Google Maps
Go anywhere and never get lost
Apple Maps update press release photo

Google Maps has long been a dominant player in navigation, known for its comprehensive data and ease of use. However, with the release of iOS 17, Apple has introduced a game-changing feature that's set to make Apple Maps the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Apple is finally introducing offline maps, and it's a feature that will revolutionize the way hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders navigate the great outdoors.
iOS 17 unveils offline maps for Apple Maps
Apple Maps has come a long way since its initial launch, and it's continually striving to offer users a more robust and feature-rich experience. With the launch of iOS 17 on September 18, 2023, Apple is introducing offline maps, a feature that will be a game-changer for those who love outdoor activities.

Offline maps allow users to select specific areas to download to their phones. Once downloaded, these maps can be accessed and used without an internet connection. This makes it possible to enjoy turn-by-turn navigation and conduct searches even in remote areas where internet connectivity may be unreliable or nonexistent. It works similarly to Google Maps in the sense that you do need a WiFi connection to download the maps, but after that, you're good to go off the grid.
The perfect companion for outdoor adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, this feature is a dream come true. Whether you're hiking in the wilderness, camping in a remote location, skiing down the slopes, or snowboarding in the mountains, having access to offline maps can be a lifesaver. Here's how this feature can benefit different adventure seekers:

Read more
Ultimate relaxation: This massage chair is $3,700 off until tomorrow
A woman sitting in the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair.

Relaxing at home is a much-underrated activity for many of us. That's why we had to highlight one of Best Buy's deals of the day which has a Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair down to $1,799. It usually costs $5,499 so you're saving a spectacular $3,700 off the regular price. Whether you've had a long day at work or you've just got back from a hectic session at the gym, you need a great massage chair to relax into. Here's what we know about it while you decide whether to hit the buy button or not. Remember -- you've only got until the end of today to do so.

Why you should buy the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Arriving with no assembly required, the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair is far better than any of the best massage guns you may have been considering for your post-workout recovery. It offers the most beneficial position for you to sit with the least amount of pressure on your spine.

Read more
These are the 13 best Brad Pitt movies, ranked
Does your favorite Brad Pitt movie make the list?
Brad Pitt staring across the table

If you were to look up the word "superstar" in the dictionary, it wouldn't be surprising if Brad Pitt's visage was strewn across the page. When you hear his name, it’s hard not to think of his chiseled abs, effortless charm, and distinctively beautiful face. Many may even immediately think of all the media surrounding his romantic entanglements with Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston, but we’re definitely not here to talk about that.

Today, we are here to talk about the many strides Brad Pitt has made in his film career; from war movies to heist comedies, he's taken his physical beauty and made the most of it. While he may not have the reputation of Tom Hanks or Al Pacino, Pitt has become a great performer in his own right. In addition to his prolific acting career, Pitt is also a producer with more than 60 credits to his name. Clearly, there is much more to him than just what meets the eye, which is part of what makes him such a compelling screen presence.

Read more