Whilst it took nearly three decades to realise it, Neil Gaiman finally saw his magnum opus – “The Sandman” – land a screen adaptation in the form of a Netflix series earlier this year.
The fantasy epic premiered in early August to what seemed to be excellent numbers, but it wasn’t until November – a full three months later – that the show obtained a renewal order. The long wait on that renewal understandably had many fans concerned, along with confused.
Why did it take so long? A recent report suggested it revolved around new Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav having issues with terms of the company’s agreement with Netflix in regards to payments (Warner Bros. Television produces “The Sandman).
Speaking with Variety, Netflix’s exec Peter Friedlander offered the streamer’s official explanation as to what happened:
“We wanted to spend the time to get creatively aligned around what would be the next, best experience with ‘The Sandman’. Because of that, we wanted to spend the time with [showrunner Allan Heinberg] and Neil and really talk through and be thoughtful about what the approach should be – because Season 1 is also very thoughtful and intentional. So that was really what took the extra time, is to get our ducks in a row.
I’m very excited about what we have in store and we have made some great decisions around where this will go. So it’s a stay-tuned and watch… I think what they did with Season 1 – it’s refreshing, it’s breathtaking, it’s iconic. It’s all of those descriptions and to know that it connected with audiences is just so rewarding.”
The announcement of the renewal was carefully worded to say it will be a “continuation of ‘The Sandman’ world” rather than a second season, and specifics like episode count and story details aren’t available.
Why isn’t it being called season two? The trade speculates it’s going to be handled more akin to the comics now with ‘Volumes’ based on the story adapted, but Friedlander wouldn’t go into detail:
“There are decisions that haven’t been made, but we are considering batching approaches. Everything’s on the table when it comes to ‘Sandman.’ It’s an innovative show… [it] always follows his own path. I do really believe that. The show, I think, was so popular because it was such a discovery and it was such an invention.
That’s what we’re trying to honor as we continue to tell this story, and it shouldn’t follow any path other than its own. And I genuinely believe that, and I want to help tell the story in that way with Neil and Allan, and protect the storytelling so it’s the best experience it can be. And so part of that is also just keeping it secret till we know more!”
“The Sandman” reportedly pulled in over 328 million hours viewed in its first three-and-a-half weeks. The Tom Sturridge-led series scored rave critical reviews, though it generated some controversy over a creative choice involving its aspect ratio.
