When it comes to blending myth, folklore, and contemporary tales, few stories do it as seamlessly as Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman”. The highly-anticipated second season is set to showcase an impressive lineup from the Greek pantheon, including Hades, Persephone, Eurydice, and Orpheus.
Tom Sturridge, portraying Dream or Morpheus, the ruler of the Dream Realm, was a hit in the debut season. The show elegantly adapted the first two volumes of Gaiman’s iconic graphic novel, and gave fans a taste of the third. From Dream’s challenging confrontation with Lucifer, played by the talented Gwendoline Christie, to the disturbing endeavors of John Dee (David Thewlis) manipulating dreams, audiences were left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting more.
New Gods, New Drama
Rumors had already been swirling about the casting of Norse gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki for the upcoming season. However, the spotlight has now shifted to the notable figures of Greek mythology. A recent leak over the weekend confirmed the presence of Hades, Persephone, and Eurydice. Additionally, the talented Ruairi O’Connor is set to portray Orpheus, as evident from the scenes shot at the picturesque Durdle Door.
These characters aren’t new for fans of Gaiman’s work. They play pivotal roles in “The Sandman Special #1: The Song of Orpheus” (1991). This tale, a modern reimagining of the tragic love story between Orpheus and Eurydice, intertwines seamlessly with the broader Sandman narrative. The upcoming season promises to explore this poignant tale along with other intriguing storylines from Gaiman’s series, such as “Season of Mists” and “Brief Lives.”
The Song of Orpheus: A Tale of Love and Tragedy
So basically the good guy is out of her league…? pic.twitter.com/6zKSkawtwM
— TheSandman (@TheSandman777) October 18, 2023
The Song of Orpheus sheds light on the union of Dream and Calliope’s son, Orpheus, with his beloved nymph, Eurydice. The tragic turn of events post their wedding sets the stage for an epic quest. When the young nymph’s life is tragically cut short, Orpheus, consumed by grief, embarks on a perilous journey to the Underworld. Here, he seeks to negotiate with Hades and Persephone, hoping to reunite with his lost love. The story unfolds with poignant emotions, powerful music, and a test of true love.
Production Delays and What Lies Ahead
The Sandman’s production encountered a significant hiccup, much like several other Netflix shows, due to the WGA writer’s strike. The strike advocated for better working conditions and fairer pay for writers, leading to a temporary halt in many ongoing projects. Gaiman, in a post on his Tumblr page, mentioned that only two weeks of shooting were accomplished before the strike. Production shots from Durdle Door in Dorset, England, and scenes in a Poole cemetery featuring Indya Moore from “Pose” had already sparked excitement among fans.
Amidst these challenges, new characters are set to emerge in the second season, including Delirium, Destiny, Destruction, and a slew of gods and mythical beings from various pantheons.
Given these delays, eager fans might have to wait until late 2024 or even early 2025 for the next installment. However, there’s a silver lining. Netflix’s “Dead Boy Detectives” is slated for release next year. This show, nestled within the Sandman Universe, will directly intersect with “Season of Mists”, offering fans a bit of solace as they await Dream’s return.
