Joseph Gordon-Levitt Explains 'Sandman' Exit, Neil Gaiman Responds
Joseph Gordon-Levitt had put so much into the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman" comics -- as a producer, but also would-be star and director -- that when he unexpectedly left the project a few days ago, he felt compelled to issue a lengthy explanation on Facebook.
We first heard about this particular project in 2013, so it has been in the works for a while. A new writer, Eric Heisserer, was just announced on March 4. But apparently that was part of the overall creative clash, because the very next day, JG-L announced his own departure:
RE: SANDMANSo, as you might know if you like to follow these sorts of things, a while back, David Goyer and I made a...
Posted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Saturday, March 5, 2016
JG-L ended his post with a nod to the comic writer, saying, "...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."
Gaiman has the same affection for JG-L, retweeting the actor/producer's post and sharing his own thoughts:
And, for the record, my respect for @hitRECordJoe, is undiminished. Getting to know him was the best bit of the last round. He's special.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) March 5, 2016
.@neilhimself Deepest thanks, kind sir. I sincerely hope we find another way to collaborate sooner than later..
— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) March 5, 2016
I very much hope so. I would love to work with @hitRECordJoe some more. He's smart, honest & really nice. https://t.co/lbFrNLAycJ
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) March 6, 2016
Reminder for the curious: I don't own SANDMAN. @DCComics does. I don't choose who writes scripts, the director, producer or cast.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) March 6, 2016
For me, what's important is the 2,500 pages of SANDMAN, not a movie that may or may not ever happen. https://t.co/6NZe47nvJ4
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) March 6, 2016
So don't blame Neil Gaiman if you're upset about this, and stay tuned for whatever may or may not happen next on the movie front.
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