Overview
- The concluding chapter of The Sandman saga will arrive in 2025, marking the end of Morpheus and the Endless’s storyline.
- Netflix officially decided not to extend the series beyond two seasons, a choice influenced by decisions from the showrunner, concluding a notable adaptation.
- Season 2 introduces new talent, including Will Keen, who is set to portray an older version of Shakespeare, enriching the narrative of the dream universe.
The Sandman is set to return for its highly anticipated second season, which will be its final installment, scheduled for release in 2025. The storyline of Morpheus and the Endless is set to close, bringing the Netflix adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed comic series to an end after just two seasons. Upon its premiere in 2022, the series garnered extensive acclaim, revitalizing attention for Gaiman’s influential DC graphic novels.
Despite the eagerness surrounding the forthcoming season, Netflix will not continue beyond Season 2. Showrunner Allan Heinberg confirmed that the intent from the outset was to focus solely on Dream’s narrative without branching out into other significant characters from the wider comic universe. The cancelation follows troubling allegations of misconduct against Neil Gaiman, who has subsequently stepped down from his role in Amazon’s final season of Good Omens and has parted ways with Dark Horse, his long-time comic publisher. For fans, the bittersweet nature of Season 2 is underscored by an intriguing expansion of the cast as they prepare for the show’s final chapter.
Second Season Welcomes Third Actor for William Shakespeare Role
According to Redanian Intelligence, recognized for its coverage on series such as The Witcher, The Sandman has cast Will Keen, celebrated for his roles in The Crown and His Dark Materials, as the show’s third portrayal of William Shakespeare. Previously in Season 1, fans were introduced to a younger Shakespeare via actor Samuel Blenkin, followed by Luke Allen-Gale portraying an adult version. Keen’s character is likely to depict an even older Shakespeare, as Morpheus encounters this iconic figure at various phases of his life.
Sir, a third William Shakespeare has been cast in The Sandman Will Keen (The Crown, His Dark Materials) joins Luke Allen-Gale and Samuel Blenkin in playing Shakespeare in The Sandman — Redanian Intelligence (@RedanianIntel) March 27, 2025
In Gaiman’s original comics, which were published from 1989 to 1996, Shakespeare made notable appearances in issues such as #13 “Men of Good Fortune” and #19, “The Tempest.” Of particular note is the “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” issue, which notably won a Hugo Award for best short story, marking a rare honor for a comic book issue. While did not encounter Morpheus three times within the comic storylines, the adaptation has chosen to explore this intriguing dynamic in greater depth.
Filming for The Sandman Season 2 began in June 2023 at Shepperton Studios in the UK, though production faced a pause due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes that ensued a month later. Fortunately, by November 2024, reports confirmed that production had resumed, alleviating fans’ concerns. The upcoming season promises exciting additions, including a fiery Norse god portrayed by Laurence O’Fuarain, raising anticipation for the dream realm’s return.
Fans can look forward to the premiere of The Sandman Season 2, which is set to launch exclusively on Netflix sometime in 2025.
Source: Redanian Intelligence