When last we checked in, it seemed as though the long-rumored adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman into a film was finally happening. Joseph Gordon-Levitt had signed on as a producer, with the intent to direct and star in it, under the aegis of Warner Bros. and the direct involvement of both David S. Goyer and Gaiman himself. However, that was a year ago, and that earliest stage of development is often a stage many movies never progress beyond, as evidenced by Sandman’s own numerous prior attempts to get made. Given all that, the fact that Sandman wasn’t mentioned in Warner Bros.’ lengthy slate of upcoming films was enough to give anyone pause.
Happily, it looks like Despair won’t be gazing down on those awaiting the film anytime soon, as Dread Central reports that Gordon-Levitt took to the Internet to confirm that it’s still moving forward. In a recent Reddit AMA, the actor said that he’s busy “doing a lot of work with David Goyer and Jack Thorne, working on the screenplay.” Gaiman’s approval is also still central to the whole endeavor, with Gordon-Levitt adding, “Also just had a great conversation last week with David and Mr. Gaiman. Neil has been extremely big hearted with me, and he’s the one I want to please most.”
Goyer also chimed in recently, also mentioning that Gaiman’s involvement has been key to the project’s continuing development—whereas others before had fallen, like certain kingdoms, into disrepair. Goyer stressed that “one thing different between other iterations and ours is that Neil Gaiman has been in the room with us and is a vital part of the team. We have a draft Warners is very happy with and we’re moving forward, knock on wood.” Goyer’s statement was promptly followed by the echoing sound of thousands of devoted Gaiman fans knocking as hard as they possibly could.