Trailer for Netflix’s Supernatural Series ‘Dead Boy Detectives’

The new show, which has had a troubled development, brings over two characters from the ‘Sandman’ graphic novels and has found a home at Netflix.

Preview:

The trailer for ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ is online.
George Rexstrew and Jayden Revri are in the lead roles.
‘Dead Boy Detectives’ hits Netflix on April 25th.

If you’re a fan of the ‘Sandman’ stories and particularly the series adaptation that launched on Netflix in 2022, you’ll be happy to know that there is an associated show headed our way before the in-the-works second season.

‘Dead Boy Detectives’, which as the title implies follows a pair of young men who investigate mysteries (and, oh yes, are ghosts) dealing with ghouls, demons and other supernatural creatures.

The full trailer for the show has now dropped.

What’s the Story of ‘Dead Boy Detectives’?

Jayden Revri as Charles Rowland and George Rexstrew as Edwin Payne in episode 2 of 'Dead Boy Detectives.'

Meet Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri), “the brains” and “the brawn” behind the Dead Boy Detectives agency.

Teenagers born decades apart who find each other only in death, Edwin and Charles are best friends and ghosts… who solve mysteries. They will do anything to stick together –– including escaping evil witches, Hell and Death herself.

With the help of a clairvoyant named Crystal (Kassius Nelson) –– who becomes the focus of an early case –– and her friend Niko (Yuyu Kitamura), they are able to crack some of the mortal realm’s most mystifying paranormal who/whatdunnits.

Who is Making ‘Dead Boy Detectives’?

Comic book creator Neil Gaiman from Netflix's 'The Sandman' at San Diego Comic-Con 2022.

As mentioned, the show adapts a part of the ‘Sandman’ comic book series created by Neil Gaiman. Unlike the ‘Sandman’ series, Gaiman isn’t involved as a showrunner on this one (he is, however, an executive producer).

Instead, the new series was developed by Steve Yockey (‘The Flight Attendant’) and is run by Yockey alongside Beth Schwartz (‘Arrow’/‘Legends of Tomorrow’). Greg Berlanti, who has one or two shows on television (okay, roughly half of them), is also producing via his Berlanti Productions company.

‘Dead Boy Detectives’: Development History

Kassius Nelson as Crystal Palace, George Rexstrew as Edwin Payne, Jayden Revri as Charles Rowland, and Joshua Colley as Monty in episode 6 of 'Dead Boy Detectives.'

(L to R) Kassius Nelson as Crystal Palace, George Rexstrew as Edwin Payne, Jayden Revri as Charles Rowland, and Joshua Colley as Monty in episode 6 of 'Dead Boy Detectives.' Photo: Ed Araquel/Netflix © 2023.

This has been a difficult show to bring to screens. The live-action take on the characters debuted in the third episode of Max series ‘Doom Patrol’s third season, ‘Dead Patrol’.

On that show, Sebastian Croft played Charles Rowland, with Ty Tennant as Edwin Payne, and Madalyn Horcher as Crystal Palace.

Originally conceived as a ‘Doom Patrol’ spinoff, the ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ series was announced in September 2021, with Yockey, who co-wrote ‘Dead Patrol,’ serving as showrunner. But the series descended into development limbo and eventually shelved.

Which opened a portal for Netflix to swoop in and add it to the company’s ‘Sandman’ portfolio, which feels like an even more natural home for the series (and also allows a key character from the ‘Sandman’ show to crossover in at least one episode).

When Will ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ Land on Netflix?

The show arrives on the streaming service on April 25th, with all eight episodes dropping at once globally.

Kassius Nelson as Crystal Palace, Yuyu Kitamura as Niko Sasaki, George Rexstrew as Edwin Payne, and Jayden Revri as Charles Rowland in episode 3 of 'Dead Boy Detectives.'

(L to R) Kassius Nelson as Crystal Palace, Yuyu Kitamura as Niko Sasaki, George Rexstrew as Edwin Payne, and Jayden Revri as Charles Rowland in episode 3 of 'Dead Boy Detectives.' Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.