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Sandman co-showrunner reveals cuts from comic moments in Netflix series

Allan Heinberg discusses the balance of adaptation and stays true to the source material.

June 16, 2025 at 04:00 PM

The Sandman co-showrunner says they wanted to "preserve as many of the comic book moments as possible" but certain big scenes had to be cut: “They can’t say we didn’t try!”

Allan Heinberg discusses balancing fan expectations with storytelling needs.

Sandman co-showrunner reveals cuts from comic moments in Netflix series

Allan Heinberg, co-showrunner of The Sandman, shares insights in SFX magazine about the decision-making process for adapting the comic series for Netflix. He emphasizes that while they aimed to incorporate many key moments, some scenes were left out to maintain narrative clarity. Heinberg mentions that some filmed sequences did not work as expected in the show's context. The second season is set to include significant storylines from the comic, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Despite facing production delays due to industry strikes, the series was renewed for a second season after impressive viewership figures.

Key Takeaways

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Heinberg aimed to keep significant comic moments but faced cuts for clarity.

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Fans can expect key adaptations in the second season of The Sandman.

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Production delays were caused by strikes, affecting timelines for release.

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The series will conclude with its upcoming second season.

"We try to preserve as many of the comic book moments as possible and translate them in a way that feels like we're fulfilling fan fantasies"

Heinberg expresses the team's dedication to fan service while acknowledging constraints.

"There have been casualties already. But again, it's bonus content for the website, and also the fans will love it because they can't say we didn't try!"

Heinberg discusses the difficult decisions made in adaptation and the value of additional content.

Heinberg's comments highlight a common challenge in adaptations: meeting fan expectations while adhering to the story's integrity. Balancing these demands can lead to tough choices, raising the question of how much the original material can drive the creative process. As adaptations like The Sandman continue to gain popularity, the stakes for satisfying both new viewers and long-time fans keep increasing. The cancellation after season two suggests a need for clear planning and storytelling to avoid disappointments down the line.