Netflix has been the home of some very expensive shows in recent years, and while that has been a good thing mostly for fantasy fans with multiple seasons ofStranger ThingsandThe Witcherbeing released on the platform, it has also caused a number of early cancellations when viewer numbers have not quite been enough to sustain a project beyond one series. Fans ofThe Sandmanare hoping that the latter fate is not going to befall the series, which has been a success on the platform in its first two weeks, but according toNeil Gaimanthat may not be enough to get the green light on a second season.
The Sandmanis an extravagant fantasy that adapts the graphic novels of Gaiman in to a luxurious tapestry of storytelling that centers on Dream, who after being trapped for years returns to find his realm in ruins and some dreams and nightmares running wild in the real world. Of course, developing this kind of fantasy in a seamless way doesn’t come cheap, and with a huge ensemble cast led by Tom Sturridge, the series has to be more than just a hit to manage to gain another run.
As many fans celebrated the achievement of the series in creating something for screen that perfectly captures the essence of Gaiman’s stories, the author himself was a little more cautious about celebrating and looking forward to a second season just yet. In aTwitter post, Gaiman said:
“Because Sandman is a really expensive show. And for Netflix to release the money to let us make another season we have to perform incredibly well. So yes, we’ve been the top show in the world for the last two weeks. That still may not be enough.”
Related:he Sandman: What We Hope to See in Season 2
The Sandman Fans Were Treated To A Surprise Bonus Episode
AlthoughThe Sandmanwas only expected to have ten episodes, Netflix last week added a surprise two-part coda to the series, but that has been both a blessing and curse to those hoping for the show to be renewed. While the original episodes ended on a cliffhanger that could easily have been resolved in a second season, the addition of an eleventh episode, which is pretty much stand alone to the rest of the season, has caused some fans to question whether this is simply a sign that Netflix isn’t going to commit to any moreSandman.
However, Gaiman toldEntertainment Weeklythat the additional surprise was something that producer David S. Goyer planned from the start. He said:
“It was David Goyer’s suggestion. but we immediately embraced it. We were just about to pitch the show to streaming platforms, and the decision was made that we were going to be pitching 11 episodes. We would do 10 episodes and then there would be an 11th, a special that no one would know about. That’s what everyone knew they were buying. It also meant we could begin the process for those stories very, very early on.”
All eleven episodes ofThe Sandmanare now available on Netflix, and fans are hoping that they won’t be the last.
