‘The Sandman’: Meet The Breakout Characters From Netflix’s New Hit
Fans of The Sandman have been raving about the Neil Gaiman-created character for about 33 years… ever since the comic book’s first issue was released by DC Comics in early 1989. For…
Fans of The Sandman have been raving about the Neil Gaiman-created character for about 33 years... ever since the comic book's first issue was released by DC Comics in early 1989. For almost as long, fans have wanted to see a live-action adaptation. On the other hand, many have said that the story is "unadaptable." But on Friday (August 5), the world finally saw the show's ten-episode season, the first of hopefully many. Forbes reports that the show immediately debuted at #1 on Netflix's top 10 list, and the show currently has an 86% approval with both critics and audience on Rotten Tomatoes. And it was trending through the weekend on social media.
Although The Sandman is based on a DC comic book, the show does not take place in the DC Universe. The comic book only rarely referenced mainstream DC characters, with brief appearances by the Scarecrow, J'onn J'onzz, Mister Miracle and the Demon. In other words, you don't need to know anything about the DC universe to enjoy the show. But if you want to check out the books that the show is based on (and it's pretty faithful), check out The Sandman, Volume 1: Preludes and Nocturnes and The Sandman, Volume 2: The Doll's House.
What comes next? Well, in the comic books, the "Doll's House" storyline is followed by "Dream Country," a series of four independent one-off tales. One of which is the fan-favorite "A Dream of a Thousand Cats," which would be a very CGI-heavy episode, if they were to do it. Another is "A Midsummer Night's Dream," which features William Shakespeare, who we met (played by Samuel Blenkin) in episode six, 'The Sound of Her Wings." After that, it's the "Season of Mists" storyline, which sees Dream further clashing with Desire, and returning to Hell where he once again encounters Lucifer (and also Nada, his former lover from thousands of years earlier, who was played by Deborah Oyelade in a brief scene in episode 4, "A Hope In Hell").
If you're looking to dive in to the series, here are some of the main characters from season one who we hope to see again:
Mark Hamill as Merv Pumpkinhead
NetflixYes, Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker himself, is the voice of the very "over it" janitor of the Dreaming. We didn't see much of him, but if there are more seasons - and that seems likely - we'll get more of Merv. By the way, this isn't Hamill's first voice-only gig. He's done several others, including playing the Joker in a number of animated Batman shows.
Patton Oswalt as Matthew the Raven
NetflixMatthew is a human who dies while in the Dreaming, and is transformed into a raven. Now he's Dream's assistant and sidekick. Oswalt, in real life, is a sci-fi/comic book-loving, stand-up comedian/actor, who has voiced a lot of characters, including the Deep's gills in 'The Boys,' Pip the Troll (sidekick of Harry Styles' Starfox) in the post-credits scene of 'The Eternals' and he also was a character on 'Kim Possible.'
Goldie and Abel (Asim Chaudhry)
NetflixGroot and Grogu, meet Goldie! He's the latest cute CGI sci-fi character. In this picture he's sitting on Abel's shoulder. Yes, THAT Abel. In the comic book his brother Cain frequently murders him. But Abel always recovers.
Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer
NetflixYou probably know the story: once an angel, Lucifer was a bit of a rebel, and now is the ruler of Hell. No spoilers here, but if there are more seasons, definitely expect to see more of Lucifer. As a cast member from 'Game of Thrones' and the Star Wars sequels, most fans were familiar with Gwendoline Christie, and most loved her portrayal of Lucifer.
Mason Alexander Park as Desire
NetflixDesire, played by non-binary actor Mason Alexander Park, is Dream's younger sibling who is always getting under his skin. Dream accused Desire of getting involved in his affairs and warned him against doing it again. Which we're sure they will, especially if in a second season they adapt the "Season of Mists" storyline.
Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne
NetflixThe Dreaming's librarian: it's a big job, as their library has every book ever written, and then some. Lucienne remained in the Dreaming when Dream was captured, and waited for him to return when most of his other staff left.
Vanesu Samunyai As Rose Walker
NetflixA young woman on a desperate search for her missing brother, she soon finds a family she didn't know that she had. She also has a connection to Dream. In the comic, she appears in subsequent storylines. So we hope to see more of Rose as well.
Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine
NetflixColeman plays two versions of the character. One from the 18th century and the other is a present-day descendant based on John Constantine. Netflix might have gender-switched her because John Constantine had his own show and existed in the CW's "Arrowverse." We wouldn't be surprised if "Sandman" spawns some spinoffs. If that happened, we'd put money that they'd try a Johanna Constantine one. Indeed, fans were tweeting that they'd love to see more of Coleman's Constantine character(s).
Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death
NetflixDeath is Dream's sister; she's the embodiment of death, and she meets you after you die, to guide you to what's next. Some people seem to be able to see her right before they die. Death only appears in episode 6, but will surely be seen more if there are more seasons. Death was very popular in the comic book series, and even got a few spin-off issues. It wouldn't be surprising to see her get her own series.
Tom Sturridge as Dream, aka "The Sandman"
NetflixThe central figure of the show, Dream is one of The Endless, a family of beings who are more powerful than gods, and yet, have their own flaws. Dream is the ruler of the Dreaming, the place where we all go when we dream. Sturrige has gotten lots of props on social media for his portrayal of Dream.
