Marketing for season 2 of the DC Comics adaptation is off to a rocky start thanks to allegations of rape and human trafficking against the author.
A new trailer for The Sandman season 2 crept into the world four days ago, as quietly as a waking dream sent scurrying by the first fitful stirring of dawn in the eastern gloaming. So quietly, in fact, that we almost missed it.
But we were reminded when news broke via Vulture that acclaimed dark fantasy author Neil Gaiman, who wrote the landmark comic series the show is based on, is now suing a woman who accused him of sexual assault for US$500m.
Well, we thought. Two birds, one stone. Let’s have a look at the trailer.
Released to much fanfare and the rejoicing of many people of a certain age who still wear black in 2022, Netflix‘s The Sandman tells the tale of the eponymous Morpheus (Tom Sturridge), the Lord of Dreams, who rules over the realm of imagination and creativity, dealing with various metaphysical conflicts and family feuds along the way.
Season 1 adapted roughly the first 18 issues of the comic, which ran from 1989 to 1996. We seemed to be set for a long and self-indulgent translation of the whole Sandman saga, when Netflix hit the brakes in January.
In a terse statement, showrunner Allen Heinberg said, “The Sandman series has always been focused exclusively on Dream’s story, and back in 2022, when we looked at the remaining Dream material from the comics, we knew we only had enough story for one more season. We are extremely grateful to Netflix for bringing the team back together and giving us the time and resources to make a faithful adaptation in a way that we hope will surprise and delight the comics’ loyal readers as well as fans of our show.”
Which is a bit odd, with about 60 issues left to cover. Publicity is like jazz. It’s the notes you don’t play.
Prior to that announcement, several women accused Gaiman of numerous acts of sexual assault taking place over several years. The Tortoise Media podcast Master broke the news in July 2024, but the most impactful coverage came in January 2025, when New York Magazine published an in-depth report by Lila Shapiro. Netflix announced The Sandman‘s cancellation days later.
Since then, Gaiman is being sued by alleged victim Scarlett Pavlovich for US$7m in damages, citing human trafficking, sexual assault, and coercion. Pavlovich has also named Amanda Palmer, Gaiman’s estranged former partner, as a defendant. Gaiman has sought to have the civil case dismissed, citing lack of jurisdiction.
Which brings us to the latest development. Gaiman is suing another accuser, former tenant Caroline Wallner, for US$500K, for breaching a non-disclosure agreement.
Wallner accused Gaiman of pressuring her for sex in exchange for staying at his Woodstock property after her marriage fell apart. Now, Gaiman has filed a demand for arbitration that accuses Wallner of violating an NDA by speaking to the media. According to Vulture, Gaiman is seeking their full settlement amount, plus legal fees, and an additional $50,000 for each interview Wallner granted.
And as for season 2 of The Sandman, some underpaid scribe shackled to a garret deep in the bowels of Netflix Publicity scratched out a helpful precis:
After a fateful reunion with his family, Dream of the Endless (Tom Sturridge) must face one impossible decision after another as he attempts to save himself, his kingdom, and the waking world from the epic fallout of his past misdeeds. To make amends, Dream must confront longtime friends and foes, gods, monsters, and mortals. But the path to forgiveness is full of unexpected twists and turns, and true absolution may cost Dream everything. Based on the beloved award-winning DC Comic series, the second season of The Sandman will tell Dream’s story arc in full to its thrilling conclusion.
Co-starring a number of people currently examining their absolute minimum publicity commitments, The Sandman Season 2 Volume One hits Netflix on July 3, with Volume 2 arriving July 24. Early screener access is looking iffy, though.
If you have been the victim of sexual assault, help is available. NASASV, the National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence, has a list of resources here.
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