Netflix issues update about The Sandman amid Neil Gaiman controversy

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Netflix have issued an update about The Sandman series following controversy surrounding creator Neil Gaiman.

The fantasy drama series was first released back in 2022 on the streaming platform and was a live action adaptation of Gaiman’s comic book of the same name. However, the company has now confirmed that the show will end with its second season, in the latest disappointing blow for fans. The news comes following controversy surrounding the British author, although it is not confirmed to be linked to the decision.

DC published the original comics back in the 1980s with Gaiman working alongside artists Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg. While a film version had been in the works since the 90s, it wasn’t until 2019 that a television production was greenlit with Netflix. The series follows a little girl with supernatural imagination powers who brings to life a monster named Sandman, who protects her in times of distress.

Garnering an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the first season was met with critical acclaim and fan excitement, with one critic hailing it as a “stunning adaptation” and another viewer calling it “one of the best shows in a long time”. However, it is now confirmed that the series will not extend beyond the current year. The official account of the hit show announced on X: “Dream’s journey has all been building to this. The story of THE SANDMAN comes to its epic conclusion in 2025, only on Netflix.”

A promotional poster featuring the cast, as well as a further statement from showrunner Allan Heinberg, accompanied the post. Heinberg’s statement declared: “The Sandman series has always been focused exclusively on Dream’s story, and back in 2022, when we looked at the remaining Dream material from the comics, we knew we only had enough story for one more season. We are extremely grateful to Netflix for bringing the team all back together and giving us the time and resources to make a faithful adaptation in a way that we hope will surprise and delight the comics’ loyal readers as well as fans of our show.”

It becomes the latest in a line of Gaiman related projects to suffer a seemingly premature end. According to Forbes, the writer departed Amazon Prime’s upcoming final season of Good Omens, development on a film based on The Graveyard Book was halted at Disney and he was also dropped by his long-time comic book publisher, Dark Horse. Multiple women have accused the Coraline author of sexual assault as per originally reported in Vulture. Gaiman strongly denies all these allegations.

Following Netflix’s announcement one fan was seemingly left unimpressed by this explanation as they quoted: “we knew we only had enough story for one more season” alongside a photo of their comic collection, which includes nine volumes of The Sandman comic.

While another added: “I figured this was going to happen with Neil Gailman but at least the fans got two seasons. I am happy we the fans got to see a good live action adaptation of this awesome comic. Plus Netflix cancels everything.”

The Sandman is streaming on Netflix.