Tell the other 6 not to stay up late. The Sandman and the Endless
Rumors abound that as the thoroughly modern adventures of Clark Kent, otherwise known as SmallVille draw to a close development is underway for a TV adaptation of Sandman. For a long time considered unadaptable, and held as a pinnacle of graphic storytelling by many fans this is alternately exciting and worrying news. Neil Gaiman’s Vertigo comics epic Sandman is considered a cornerstone of the graphic novel world, redefining what comics can be. Traveling away from the tales of hero against villain, Superman against kryptonite to something of allegory made flesh. The titular sandman is less a dream dealer, a god of dreams but dreaming or Dream itself. The series deals with the life (if you can call it that) of Dream and his six siblings including the perky Death and androgynous Desire, the Endless as they and their actions shape existence.
Despite a recently abandoned attempt by HBO to develop the comic, the work is being resurrected by the creative team surrounding paranormal series Supernatural. Writer Producer Eric Kripke, who worked on Supernatural, is keen to mastermind the project should the Time Warner owned project come his way. The nature of the rights holding element of this project is tricky, as Warner part own HBO, who are currently in hugh acclaim for their work on adapting the Sookie Stackhouse novel series into the gory, erotic and blues ridden world of True Blood but also own networks such as CW in the states who are not particularly associated with adaptations that are either loyal or accepted by their fan base.
It’s worth noting that when HBO previously attempted to develop the project, despite not officially involving author Neil Gaiman, he attended several rounds of talks with James Mangold regarding characters and story, but is reportedly not involved in the current attempt due to the project being in its early stages of development.
Kripke seems to be a good choice of producer given the level of integrity he showed with Supernatural which he created and maintained week in and out and dealt with mythological, fantasy and horror elements. Kripke took a stand for his work by refusing to return for a sixth season after writing and completing a planned 5 season storyline. Kripke has been described as interested but cautious due to the high regard the comic is held in and as such the level of scrutiny every decision from casting, scripting to design would receive. No official comments from WBTV or WME which represents Kripke have been made but Gaiman himself has said in the past that with or without his involvement an adaptation is inevitable.
