Netflix to end Neil Gaiman’s ‘The Sandman’ with season two
Netflix’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman will end with the upcoming season two.
The screen adaptation of Gaiman’s influential graphic novel first debuted on Netflix in August 2022 and was renewed for a second season later that year.
There were talks of even more seasons, even before the first one premiered, with showrunner Allan Heinberg telling NME at the show’s London premiere that they wanted to adapt the entirety of the comic book series in future seasons.
Now though, it’s been reported that the show’s yet-to-be-released second season will be its last. Per Variety, Heinberg has confirmed the show was set to end at this point prior to filming beginning.
He told the publication: “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.”
Heinberg continued: “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.”
The release plan for the upcoming season will not be impacted by the cancellation, and will still be released this year.
It follows the news that Dark Horse Comics, the American publisher that oversaw several of Gaiman’s fantasy titles, including American Gods and Norse Mythology, have cut ties with him and cancelled all upcoming collaborations.
“Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works,” they wrote in a statement in January. “Confirming that the Anansi Boys comic series and collected volume have been cancelled.”
Last July, Gaiman was accused of sexual assault by five women, who told Tortoise Media that they had experienced “rough and degrading” sex which they claim was not always consensual. Gaiman denied the allegations, but subsequently stepped down from the final season of Prime Video’s adaptation of Good Omens.
In January, further details of alleged sexual assault emerged against Gaiman, with four women detailing their experiences with the writer. Gaiman wrote a lengthy post denying the further accusations, insisting that “some of the horrible stories now being told simply never happened.”
Gaiman’s former wife Amanda Palmer has also recently responded to the story, with the former Dresden Dolls singer telling NME that while she is “profoundly disturbed” by the allegations, “her primary concern is, and must remain, the well-being of her son and therefore, to guard his privacy, she has no comment on these allegations.”
Taking to Instagram soon after, Palmer added: “As there are ongoing custody and divorce proceedings, I am not able to offer public comment. Please understand that I am first and foremost a parent. I ask for privacy at this time.”
Last year, a petition was launched to bring back the Netflix series Dead Boy Detectives – based on Gaiman’s comic book series – after it was axed in the wake of the sexual abuse claims.
The third season of Good Omens was in the early stages of pre-production and had been earmarked to start filming in Scotland this month. The fantasy comedy series was renewed for a final season in December 2023.
For more help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
The post Netflix to end Neil Gaiman’s ‘The Sandman’ with season two appeared first on NME.
Laura Molloy
NME
