Created by Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg
The Sandman first season premiered globally on August 5, 2022.
Distributed exclusively by Netflix.
The Sandman Review
The Sandman redefines fantasy on Netflix, weaving mythic grandeur with deeply human stories.
Season 1 dazzles with lush visuals and standout episodes like “The Sound of Her Wings,” where Death (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) offers a tender, unforgettable encounter.
Tom Sturridge’s Dream anchors the series, his quiet authority masking profound vulnerability as he rebuilds the Dreaming.
Season 2 dives deeper, with Dream’s journey to Hell and a family reunion that raise the stakes, though the darker tone and slower pacing may divide viewers.
Highlights include Gwendoline Christie’s regal Lucifer Morningstar and David Thewlis’s chilling Doctor Destiny.
While some CGI moments feel uneven, the series’ emotional core and poetic dialogue keep you invested.
For fans of high-concept drama blended with fantasy lore, The Sandman delivers a haunting, binge-worthy escape into the realm of dreams.
Ratings:
• IMDb: 7.7/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
• Google Audience Score: 83% liked this film.
The Sandman Actors
Tom Sturridge as Dream / Morpheus
DOB: December 5, 1985
Bio: Born in London into a creative family, his father, Charles Sturridge, is a BAFTA-winning director (Brideshead Revisited), and his mother, Phoebe Nicholls, is a veteran stage and screen actress.
Tom Sturridge was immersed in performance from a young age. He made his screen debut at 11 in Gulliver’s Travels (1996) and later trained with the National Youth Theatre.
A classically trained actor, Sturridge gained acclaim on both the West End and Broadway, earning Tony and Olivier Award nominations for roles in Orphans and Sea Wall/A Life.
Role: The immortal Lord of the Dreaming, on a quest to recover his lost artifacts and restore order to the realms of sleep and wakefulness.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E1–11; S2.
What to Expect: A nuanced performance blending dreamlike stillness with bursts of fierce emotion.
Favorite Things: Dance, classic cinema marathons (especially Spider-Man 2), and exploring historic cities.
Notable Works: Being Julia, Sea Wall/A Life, Sweetbitter.
Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death
DOB: February 7, 1987
Bio: Born in London, Kirby Howell-Baptiste trained at the prestigious Anna Scher Theatre School, known for producing grounded, socially conscious performers.
After early work in British television, she gained international attention with standout roles in The Good Place (as neuroscientist Simone Garnett), Killing Eve, and Barry.
Role: Dream’s compassionate sister who greets souls with warmth, redefining Death as a comforting guide rather than a fearsome specter.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E3; S2
What to Expect: A fan-favorite turn marked by genuine warmth and gentle wisdom.
Favorite Things: Poetry slams, herbal tea tastings, and tea-time chats with co-stars.
Notable Works: Sugar, Killing Eve, Why Women Kill.
Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar
DOB: October 28, 1978
Bio: Born in Worthing, West Sussex, Gwendoline Christie was discovered while working as a waitress in Brighton.
She trained at Drama Centre London, where her statuesque presence and classical command of stagecraft quickly stood out.
Gwendoline catapulted to international stardom as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones, a role that redefined female warriors in fantasy television.
Role: The majestic ruler of Hell, whose icy poise and hidden vulnerability upend every visitor.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E5–8; S2.
What to Expect: A commanding presence that melds regal elegance with underlying menace.
Favorite Things: High-fashion crafting, classical sculpture, and midnight philosophy readings.
Notable Works: Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine
DOB: April 27, 1986
Bio: Born in Blackpool, England, Jenna Coleman trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and quickly made her mark with breakout roles in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road.
She became a household name as Clara Oswald on Doctor Who, portraying one of the most layered companions in the series’ history.
Role: A tough, modern-day occult investigator descended from John Constantine, hired by Dream to tackle supernatural threats.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E2–6; S2
What to Expect: Sharp wit, relentless determination, and electrifying action.
Favorite Things: Restoring vintage motorcycles, period-drama marathons, and mentoring drama students.
Notable Works: Doctor Who, Victoria.
Mason Alexander Park as Desire
DOB: July 12, 1995
Bio: A Korean-American, nonbinary actor and singer, Mason Alexander Park (they/them) first gained prominence on stage with their award-winning performance as the Emcee in Cabaret and as Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
A graduate of Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, Park blends theatrical flair with screen charisma.
They landed the role of Desire after personally reaching out to The Sandman creator Neil Gaiman, a move that Gaiman praised for its boldness and perfect casting.
Role: The capricious embodiment of longing and envy, whose schemes pit Dream against his siblings.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E4–11; S2.
What to Expect: Flamboyant style, emotionally provocative confrontations, and dramatic transformations.
Favorite Things: Costume design, remixing classical music with electronic beats.
Notable Works: Cowboy Bebop, Quantum Leap.
Donna Preston as Despair
DOB: June 6, 1986
Bio: Donna Preston is a British actress, comedian, and writer who trained at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance.
Known for her sharp improvisational skills and surreal sketch comedy, she gained recognition through her appearances on British television and comedy panel shows.
Role: Desire’s twin whose mere presence radiates hopelessness, challenging characters to confront their darkest emotions.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E7–9; S2.
What to Expect: Hauntingly quiet scenes charged with emotional weight.
Favorite Things: Improvisational comedy, writing grief-centered poetry.
Notable Works: Hey Tracey!, Apocalypse Wow.
Patton Oswalt as Matthew the Raven (voice)
DOB: January 27, 1969
Bio: A celebrated Emmy-winning comedian, actor, and voice artist, Patton Oswalt is renowned for his distinct blend of wit, heart, and geek-culture wisdom.
With a career spanning stand-up, animation, live-action, and writing, Oswalt is best known for roles in Ratatouille (as Remy), Young Adult, and The King of Queens.
He’s also the author of several bestselling essay collections, including Zombie Spaceship Wasteland, which explore fandom, nostalgia, and pop culture.
Role: Formerly human, Matthew is now Dream’s wisecracking raven companion, tasked with reconnaissance in the waking world and offering brutally honest advice.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E1–11; S2.
What to Expect: Witty banter, unexpected heart, and a few startling revelations.
Favorite Things: Bird-watching tours, live-panel hosting, comic-con keynotes.
Notable Works: M.O.D.O.K., Bob’s Burgers.
Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne
DOB: November 30, 1984
Bio: British-Ghanaian actress Vivienne Acheampong emerged from the UK sketch comedy scene, especially the BAFTA-nominated Famalam, before transitioning to genre film and drama.
She was discovered during a Comic-Con open call, where her poise and gravitas caught the attention of The Sandman’s casting team.
Role: Dream’s chief librarian, keeper of every dream ever dreamt and steadfast steward of the Dreaming.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E1–11; S2.
What to Expect: Quiet authority, deep knowledge, and moments of fierce loyalty.
Favorite Things: Archival research, late-night jazz clubs.
Notable Works: Famalam, The Witches.
Ferdinand Kingsley as Hob Gadling
DOB: February 13, 1988
Bio: British actor Ferdinand Kingsley, son of Oscar winner Sir Ben Kingsley, trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and is a seasoned Royal Shakespeare Company alum.
Known for his thoughtful performances, he also pens essays on immortality, identity, and enduring human relationships, often drawing on his work in The Sandman for inspiration.
Role: A mortal granted eternal life, Hob befriends Dream across centuries, offering humor and human insight.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E6; cameo S2
What to Expect: Warm camaraderie, philosophical reflections, and period-piece flair.
Favorite Things: Historic pub crawls, antique map collecting.
Notable Works: Mank, Victoria.
Sanjeev Bhaskar & Asim Chaudhry as Cain & Abel
DOB: Bhaskar (Oct 30, 1963) | Chaudhry (Aug 20, 1978)
Bio: Sanjeev Bhaskar, a groundbreaking voice in British-Asian comedy from Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42, brings sardonic depth to the role of Cain.
Meanwhile, Asim Chaudhry, BAFTA-nominated for his role in People Just Do Nothing, delivers a heartbreaking vulnerability as Abel.
Together, they reimagine the biblical brothers with equal parts dark humor and emotional resonance.
Role: The first murder victims in biblical lore, cursed to replay their fratricide in the Dreaming for all eternity.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E7–9; S2.
What to Expect: Darkly funny exchanges, tragic repetition, and mythic depth.
Favorite Things: Bhaskar loves cricket commentary; Chaudhry enjoys grime music.
Notable Works: Bhaskar – The Kumars at No. 42; Chaudhry – Line of Duty.
Boyd Holbrook as The Corinthian
DOB: September 1, 1981
Bio: Hailing from Prestonsburg, Kentucky, Boyd Holbrook began his creative journey as a sculptor and fashion model before diving into acting.
He studied film and theater at NYU and honed his craft with roles in both indie thrillers and big-budget blockbusters.
For The Sandman, Holbrook trained in special-effects makeup and martial arts, helping him channel the Corinthian’s disturbing physicality and predatory charisma.
Role: A nightmare sculpted by Dream who escaped into the waking world to prey on human fears.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E9–11; potential S2 return
What to Expect: Seductive menace, chilling scenes, and some of the series’ most unforgettable horror.
Favorite Things: Horror-makeup masterclasses, ghost-story marathons.
Notable Works: Gone Girl, Narcos, Logan.
David Thewlis as John Dee / Doctor Destiny
DOB: March 20, 1963
Bio: A native of Blackpool, England, David Thewlis is a classically trained actor and writer known for his profound portrayals of psychologically complex characters.
He gained international acclaim, and a Cannes Best Actor award, for his role in Mike Leigh’s Naked, earning a reputation for intense, cerebral performances.
Thewlis has worked with top-tier directors including Alfonso Cuarón, Charlie Kaufman, and Terrence Malick.
Role: The tormented man who steals Dream’s ruby, warping reality and unleashing chaos.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 E10–11; major arc S2.
What to Expect: A descent into madness, psychological horror, and a tragic study of obsession.
Favorite Things: 16 mm film collecting, late-night philosophy podcasts.
Notable Works: Naked, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Fargo.
More Actors
Season 1 (2022)
• Stephen Fry as Gilbert / Fiddler’s Green
• Razane Jammal as Lyta Hall
• Deborah Oyelade as Nada (guest)
• Claire Higgins as Mad Hettie (guest)
• Charles Dance as Roderick Burgess (guest)
• Bill Paterson as Dr. John Hathaway (guest)
Season 2 New Additions
• Adrian Lester as Destiny
• Esmé Creed‑Miles as Delirium
• Barry Sloane as Destruction (The Prodigal)
• Ruairi O’Connor as Orpheus
• Steve Coogan (voice) as Barnabas
• Indya Moore as Wanda
• Ann Skelly as Nuala
• Douglas Booth as Cluracan
• Jack Gleeson as Puck
• Clive Russell as Odin
• Laurence O’Fuarain as Thor
• Freddie Fox as Loki
• Garry Cooper as Hades (unconfirmed officially)
• Amber Rose Revah as Goddess Ishtar
• Wil Coban as Lord Azazel
• Jake Fairbrother as Remiel
• Umulisa Gahiga as Nada (recast)
• Ruta Gedmintas as Queen Titania
FAQ – The Sandman Series
Why did Netflix cancel The Sandman after two seasons?
The series was always planned to end with Season 2 to complete Dream’s arc and adapt core material faithfully.
High production costs, around $15 million per episode, and controversies around Neil Gaiman also factored into the decision
What major story arcs are covered in Season 2?
Season 2 adapts key comic arcs like Season of Mists, Brief Lives, and The Kindly Ones.
Dream’s rescue of Nada from Hell and his fateful choice regarding Orpheus drive the emotional core.
Who are the Endless, and which ones have appeared so far?
The Endless are powerful siblings embodying abstract forces.
On screen so far we’ve met Dream, Death, Desire, and Despair, with others like Destiny, Delirium, Destruction, and Delirium expected in Season 2.
What powers do Dream’s sand, helm, and ruby have?
These artifacts channel Dream’s essence: sand induces sleep, the helm grants focus and protection, and the ruby wields raw power to manipulate reality and dreams.
What is a dream vortex?
It’s a rare anomaly that threatens to blend dreams with reality.
Rose Walker, introduced in Season 1, is one such vortex whose storyline profoundly affects the Dreaming’s future
Conclusion
The Sandman stands as one of Netflix’s most ambitious adaptations, combining striking visuals with a deeply human core.
Its first season set a high bar with emotionally resonant episodes and faithful storytelling, while the second season expanded the mythology even as it tested viewers with a darker tone and deliberate pacing.
The series succeeds because of its powerful performances, from Tom Sturridge’s nuanced Dream to Kirby Howell-Baptiste’s comforting Death, and its willingness to explore themes of loss, love, and redemption.
If you crave a fantasy epic that balances spectacle with soul, The Sandman offers an unforgettable journey through the world of dreams and beyond.