Netflix’s The Sandman Season 2 Unveils the Mystery Behind Dream’s Successor Daniel Hall
The second season of Netflix’s The Sandman dives deeper into one of the comic’s most enigmatic characters, expanding the story beyond the original panels. Showrunner Allan Heinberg worked closely with Neil Gaiman to add fresh context and explore new angles, especially around Dream’s fate and his successor, Daniel Hall.
- Season two opens with a tense family meeting led by Destiny.
- Dream’s fate is less predetermined than in the comics, adding suspense.
- Daniel Hall’s character is fleshed out, showing his transformation from baby to immortal adult.
- The series finale focuses on Daniel’s journey and powers.
- A bonus episode, Death: The High Cost of Living, arrives on July 31.
A Family Meeting Sets the Stage
The season kicks off with Destiny, the eldest Endless, calling a family meeting that reveals the complicated relationships between the immortal siblings. According to Heinberg, “The Endless dynamic mirrors sort of my own family dynamic, in that they’re not necessarily the people you would choose, but they are your family, and there is love there.” This sets the tone for the season’s exploration of family ties and personal responsibility.
Rewriting Dream’s Fate
One of the biggest changes from the comics is how Dream’s death is handled. Heinberg got Neil Gaiman’s blessing to leave the back half of Destiny’s book blank, meaning Dream’s fate is not set in stone. This uncertainty drives Dream to seek help from his parents and the Fates, doing everything he can to protect his realm and people.
Daniel Hall: The New Dream
The series also brings to life Daniel Hall, the only human child conceived in the Dreaming, who inherits Dream’s powers. Played by Jacob Anderson, Daniel instantly transforms from a baby to an immortal adult after Morpheus’ death. Heinberg says casting Anderson was “a no-brainer,” especially since Anderson is a huge fan of the series and the character.
“A lot of it was having to tell the actor, ‘You are not imitating the actor who is playing Dream, but he’s in there with you, if that makes sense,’” Heinberg explains. Anderson balances being himself with carrying Dream’s legacy, creating a unique and compelling new lead.
Daniel’s Arc and the Series Finale
Netflix requested that Daniel have his own story arc in the final episode, which mostly shows Morpheus in flashbacks. Daniel becomes the audience’s guide as he explores his new powers and his place among the Endless and the Dreaming’s residents. Heinberg sums it up: “Our Daniel wants as many answers as everybody else does. We sympathize with him, we love him, and as he moves into his new responsibilities, we move with him.”
Where to Watch
The entire second season of The Sandman, consisting of 11 episodes, is now streaming on Netflix. Plus, the bonus episode Death: The High Cost of Living will be available starting July 31.
