I know most of you have seen or read some of Neil Gaiman’s works. Have you seen Coroline, Beowulf, Mirror Mask, or Stardust? Don’t judge him based on the Hollywood production of his works. The man is extremely talented. The 10th anniversary edition of American Gods was recently released.
His name might not sound familiar, but he has a strong cult following. I am one of them. I began reading his work in high school. My sister turned me on to The Sandman. You must begin with volume one. After that, go in any order.
I have every individual comic book, even the error editions. They are one of my prized possessions, and I have carried them along for almost 20 years. They will be willed to my family. That is how much they mean to me.
After years of being a loyal fan, I have wished for a big screen version. This would be an amazing franchise. Especially in today’s pop culture where super hero’s reign and the paranormal is normal, the ideas and mythologies Gaiman uses would translate well.
In a 2008 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Gaiman was approached by Warner Brothers about a Sandman movie. Gaiman voices his apprehensions based on past production experiences. He is also concerned for the artistic integrity. I completely understand. They are valid concerns. But why punish everyone because a couple of execs were dumb enough to be driven by “box office sales”.
I tweeted Gaiman a couple of days ago with no response. Maybe this will get his attention.
Neil, listen to me, your fans want this. Give us Morpheus! Give us Death! Give us Delirium!These are my favorite characters, an opinion shared by many. Then do spin-offs of Death and Orpheus.
ScreenRant.com wrote an article saying that AMC is in talks to produce The Sandman TV show. I am a HUGE fan of AMC: Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Killing. I don’t mind that I still don’t know who killed Rosie Larson. I even liked Rubicon, although it was confusing as hell. (Sorry zombies, I’m just not into you). But a TV show? It won’t have the mature content of the original work. I can’t see it.
For my two cents, this is what I suggest, make the movie. Here is my list for cast and crew. I know, most of this seems pretty obvious, but I have to put it out there!
Director: By far Arron Aronofsky is in the lead. Arron is my top choice on the tail of Black Swan. Pi, Requiem for a Dream. The man knows how to take us to dark places. Plus his recent break up gives him a lot of time on his hands. I’m sure he will give it the commitment it needs. IMDB shows no production in the works. Give Aronofsky a call!
(Image from www.screenrant.com)
Dream (Morpheus): JOHNNY DEPP! You need the maturity and depth for this character. Don’t get the new Hollywood hot thing. This is not for Pattinson! I bet Depp would love to work with Aronofsky.
Death: Don’t kill me Johnny, but I would love to see you on-screen with Winona again. Yes, you have both moved on. But that is the juice we need here. Brother and sister, wino forever! If you are dead against it, I have an alternative. If Juliette Lewis isn’t too busy with her band, she is also a great candidate.
Delirium: Despite the age difference, I think Cyndi Lauper is a true Delirium. Did you see her on The Celebrity Apprentice. Lauper wouldn’t need to act! If she is unavailable, Parker Posey is my runner-up. Parker can do anything. Her comic timing is genius!
Desire: Hands down Angelina Jolie. If she is off watching the brood, then… this is tough. Who exudes that much beauty, natural sexuality, and acting talent? Charlize Theron? After Monster, we are all a little scared of Theron. Well, these would be my two top choices. Maybe Chloe Sevigny. Remember this character is androgynous.
Despair: No doubt Roseanne Barr is ideal for this role. I bet she is available. Is there another actress in Hollywood that pathetic, and willing to show it? No one who is “in” would take this difficult role.
Destruction: Is Arnold back? Come on, look what he did to Maria or California. This man knows a lot about destruction. Luckily, this role does not require much speaking.
Destiny: This is probably the toughest one for me. Who can we perceive with that high level of subdued steadiness. I thought of Morgan Freeman, but that has become a type cast. We need someone fresh. I got it! Meryl Streep. Who says Destiny is a man? Streep can do anything, and do it well!
There you have it. My fantasy cast for The Endless.
Art by Frank Quiety 
Whether you agree with my picks or not, help me urge Gaiman to get on it!I’m not getting any younger!Neither are you!
