Joseph Gordon Levitt was all set to star in the planned Sandman film adaptation, and was also expected to direct, but news hit over the weekend that he had left the project altogether due to ‘creative differences.’
JGT released the following statement about his departing of the movie, which is set up over at New Line Cinema.
“So, as you might know if you like to follow these sorts of things, a while back, David Goyer and I made a producing deal with Warner Brothers to develop a movie adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s SANDMAN. Neil himself came on as an executive producer, we hired the excellent screenwriter, Jack Thorne, and we started in on the ambitious task of adapting one of the most beloved and boundary-pushing titles in the world of comics. I was pleased with the progress we were making, even though we still had quite a ways to go.’
“Recently, as you also might know if you like to follow these sorts of things, the sorta “ownership” (for lack of a better term) of the Sandman material changed hands when Warner Brothers shifted the entire catalogue of Vertigo comics (an imprint of DC) to their subsidiary, New Line. And a few months ago, I came to realize that the folks at New Line and I just don’t see eye to eye on what makes Sandman special, and what a film adaptation could/should be. So unfortunately, I decided to remove myself from the project. I wish nothing but the best for the team moving forward.’
“I’d like to thank all the great people I’ve had the opportunity to work with on this one. I’ve had a blast with and learned a ton from David and Jack. Niija Kuykendall, Greg Silverman, and everyone at Warner Brothers have been fantastic, as have Geoff Johns and everyone at DC. And it’s been a particular privilege as well as a rocking good time getting to know Mr. Gaiman, whose generous insights and masterful work have certainly convinced me that the Lord of Dreams and the Prince of Stories are one and the same Endless pattern.”
Sandman
Now, the comic book’s original writer, Neil Gaiman, has spoken out an released a statement about JGT’s exit.
“Reminder for the curious: I don’t own ‘Sandman’, DC Comics does. I don’t choose who writes scripts, the director, producer or cast. The deal was done when I was 26, long ago, & I figured it was worth it.
He’s an original character, created by me, Mike Dringenberg & Sam Kieth, but done as Work For Hire for DC Comics. For me, what’s important is the 2,500 pages of ‘Sandman’, not a movie that may or may not ever happen.
For the record, my respect for Gordon-Levitt, is undiminished. Getting to know him was the best bit of the last round. He’s special… I very much hope [we work together on something else]. I would love to work with Gordon-Levitt some more. He’s smart, honest & really nice.”
Sandman ran for 75 issues starting all of the way back in 1989. The series focusses in on worlds-within-world, weiving an episodic anthology, focusing on the allegorical character of Dream and his brothers and sisters, known as the Endless (Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium, Destruction and Destiny)
The film project now needs a star and a director. I wouldn’t expect this one any time soon.
