It was all just a dream. Fans of The Sandman spent decades hoping for a proper adaptation of their favorite story. When Netflix finally brought the series to life, it seemed like a major victory. However, the journey has now come to an unexpected halt.
Netflix has officially announced the cancellation of The Sandman after two seasons. The remaining episodes that have already been filmed will still be released, but the series will not continue beyond that.
The timing of this announcement has raised questions. Just over a week ago, several women accused Neil Gaiman, the creator of The Sandman and the show’s executive producer, of sexual assault. Whether or not this influenced Netflix’s decision, the cancellation has left fans shocked and disappointed.
Even before the controversy, The Sandman’s future seemed uncertain. Although fans praised the show, Netflix took its time deciding whether to renew it for another season. When they finally approved new episodes, they avoided calling it a traditional “Season 2,” possibly indicating hesitation about its long-term success.
If these new episodes performed poorly, Netflix might have considered canceling it anyway. In that scenario, fans could have rallied to save the series. Now, that possibility seems unlikely.
The situation changed dramatically last week. Gaiman was accused by nine women, with detailed reports published by Vulture. The allegations include violent behavior, non-consensual relationships, and financial offers for therapy after the incidents. Gaiman responded, saying he “half-recognized” some situations but denied any wrongdoing. He stated, “I don’t accept there was any abuse.”
Other Neil Gaiman Projects Face Uncertain Futures
Netflix is not the only company distancing itself from Gaiman’s work. Amazon recently announced that Good Omens will not continue beyond a final 90-minute episode, which the studio says Gaiman is not involved in. Disney+ has indefinitely paused production on its adaptation of The Graveyard Book.
Earlier this week, the stage musical Coraline suspended production, calling it “impossible to continue in the context of the allegations against its original author.”
Even before these developments, The Sandman faced delays. Filming began in mid-2023 but was paused due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Production resumed later that year, but updates were sparse, and Netflix never provided an official release date. Now, with the cancellation confirmed, the final episodes are expected to arrive in 2025.
For those who want to revisit The Sandman, Season 1 remains available on Netflix. Fans looking for other fantasy series can find plenty of options on the platform, though they may have to say goodbye to Neil Gaiman’s adaptations for the foreseeable future.
