75 issues of Graphic Novels from the mastermind Neil Gaiman will finally grace our screens on August 5. We are obviously talking about Netflix’s live-adaptation of The Sandman developed by David S. Goyer and Allan Heinberg, with Gaiman acting as an executive producer. The Sandman characters comprise many fantastical and earthbound beings. From the Sandman himself and members of his family (The Endless) to his nemesis, his captor, and his accomplices, there’s a lot going on.

The story follows Morpheus, also known as The Sandman or simply, Dream. Consequent to his capture, the narrative takes you through his journey through time and space. It indulges in his quest to regain his powers and his control over “The Dreaming” realm, transforming in the process. Before the show goes on air, let us introduce you to the most prominent characters that will appear in this live-action rendition of The Sandman. 

The Sandman Characters

As mentioned, The Sandman cast is a perfect blend of mortal and immortal characters.

Tom Sturridge as Morpheus/Dream

British actor Tom Sturridge will embody the titular character of Morpheus, the lord of dreams. One of The Endless, he is the metaphysical manifestation of dreams. Not just good ones, but the nightmares as well.

He is a magical immortal being that has abilities, including but not limited to teleportation and altering reality. He also has the power to shape-shift. Tom Sturridge previously starred in Velvet BuzzSaw, Journey’s End, and HBO’s Irma Vep among others.

Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death

Don’t let the menacing name fool you. Morpheus’ kind-hearted and charming younger sister, Death, is also the closest to Dream. She is the guide to the beyond for every human being after their life has come to an end.

Actor Kirby Howell-Baptiste, known for Veronica Mars, The Good Place, Killing Eve, and films like Cruella and A Dog’s Purpose will portray Death on screen.

Donna Preston as Despair

Known for a number of British shows like Michael McIntyre’s Big show and Apocalypse Wow, Donna Preston will now star as Despair. Also one of The Endless, she has supreme control over all human and non-human emotions of misery, anxiety, and overall sadness. 

Impeccably smart and extremely talkative, she is also the twin sister of Desire. Although twins, the two are polar opposites of each other.

Mason Alexander Park as Desire

The most manipulative of the family, the malicious androgynous and genderless Desire is also the most dangerous of the siblings. As the name suggests, they are the anthropomorphic personification of yearning. Since humans are slaves to their desires, this beguiling sibling thrives on their weakness. 

With their big break on Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop, Mason Alexander Park will play the master manipulator Desire on The Sandman. They also have an important role in the retelling of NBC’s Quantum Leap. 

David Thewlis as Dr. John Dee/ Destiny

A Justice League villain, known as Dr. Destiny, David Thewlis, will portray Dr. John Dee on Netflix’s The Sandman. The firstborn and the eldest of The Endless, he has infinite knowledge owing to Morpheus’s stolen dream stone.

Dr. Dee was also a former inmate of Arkham Asylum. For fans of the DC universe, he might be one of the most interesting of The Sandman characters. Best known as the lovable werewolf and defense against the dark arts teacher, professor Lupin, it will be fascinating to see him embody this layered character.

Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine

One of the mortals and a human character, Jenna Coleman, will embody Johanna Constantine. An 18th-century explorer, she is the predecessor/foremother of DC comics’ John Constantine. An investigator of all things supernatural and paranormal, the character appeared in the movie Constantine and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and is also part of the ‘Arrowverse’. 

Jenna Coleman has many projects in her arsenal, like Victoria, Emmerdale, and even Dr. Who. In the Netflix series, Coleman will ultimately play two characters; Johanna today and her namesake ancestor of the 18th century.

Kyo Ra as Rose Walker

Actress Kyo Ra will make her on-screen debut as Rose Walker. A teenager trying her hardest to find her missing mother, Rose is actually a very special individual. Known in the dream realm as a Dream Vortex, she has the ability to open a doorway between the two worlds.

An ability like this only occurs once in 1000 years. A major character in The Sandman graphic novels, it will be interesting to see how she appears in the live-action version.

Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar

Made famous by the Tom Ellis portrayal on Netflix, Lucifer Morningstar barely needs an introduction. The Devil/Satan/fallen angel, Lucifer rules Hell for more than 10 billion years. They are one of the forces that face off against Dream.

Known and loved as Brienne of Tarth, the Game of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie will star as the rebellious Lucifer, despite fan backlash.

Boyd Holbrook as The Corinthian

Talking about nemesis, we have to mention The Sandman’s biggest villain, The Corinthian. Portrayed by Boyd Holbrook of Narcos fame, The Corinthian is the original serial killer. Dream’s failed experiment, The Corinthian is an absolute nightmare that has sets of teeth instead of eyes. 

His schtick is to chew off his victim’s eyes. A supremely gut-wrenching character, he always appears in a crisp white suit and dark glasses to hide his non-eyes.

Other characters

This star-studded cast of Netflix’s much-anticipated adaptation of the 1986 masterpiece just scratches the surface. Who’s who of the entertainment world is all set to make appearances of carrying length on The Sandman. Charles Dance as Sir Roderick Burgess is the sorcerer and captor responsible for Dream’s long imprisonment. Sanjeev Bhaskar and Asim Chaudhry will portray Cain and Abel as from biblical times. The first ever murderer and the first murder victim, respectively.

Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne is the head librarian who is left to run things in the Dreaming after Dream’s capture. On his return, she assumes the position of his right hand. Patton Oswalt as Matthew the Raven is Dream’s winged companion inspired by DC’s Swamp Thing comics. Actor, writer, and narrator extraordinaire, Stephen Fry will play the embodiment of a moving location called Fiddler’s Green and his human form Gilbert. A chain-smoking janitor in the Dreaming, the great Mark Hamill will portray Mervyn Pumpkinhead, who resembles a weird scarecrow with a menacing carved-out pumpkin for a head.

Which of The Sandman characters are you most excited to see come alive? Let us know in the comments.