Neil Gaiman has shed some light on the reason why Tom Ellis isn't reprising his role of Lucifer in Netflix's The Sandman.
Having breathed life into the ruler of Hell for seven years on Lucifer, Ellis has become a firm favourite among fans and the choice to recast the character in Gaiman's newest comic book adaptation was met with trepidation from some, despite the involvement of the mighty Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones).
When confronted by a fan on Twitter about the decision not to cast Ellis, however, Gaiman teased that the new casting allows them to take this character in a new and unexpected direction.
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"Because his Lucifer, while inspired by the Lucifer in Sandman, is so far away in terms of Sandman continuity by the end of LUCIFER, that it's easier on everyone to go back to the version in the comics," Gaiman replied on Monday (May 23).
"And this way you don't know what our Lucifer is going to do. Tom's is lovable."
Somehow we think the recasting discourse is far from over, but when the mind behind American Gods, Neverwhere and Good Omens speaks, we'll do well to listen.
Related: Lucifer star Tom Ellis making Netflix comeback in new comedy show
Sandman fans were treated to a new look at Christie's version of Lucifer in a recent Geeked Week 2022 teaser trailer that premiered earlier this month, with her incarnation forging an image far from that of the Lucifer Morningstar we're used to.
Created by Neil Gaiman, The Sandman tells the story of an ethereal being known as Dream – or Morpheus – who has existed since the dawn of time alongside his fellow Endless – Destiny, Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium and Destruction.
After he is captured and held captive, Dream (Tom Sturridge) escapes and sets out to restore order to his kingdom, the Dreaming.
Previously celebrating Netflix's acquisition of The Sandman, Gaiman shared in a statement: "For the last thirty-three years, The Sandman characters have breathed and walked around and talked in my head. I'm unbelievably happy that now, finally, they get to step out of my head and into reality.
"I can't wait until the people out there get to see what we've been seeing as Dream and the rest of them take flesh, and the flesh belongs to some of the finest actors out there."
The Sandman will stream exclusively on Netflix.
The Sandman Volume 1: 30th Anniversary Edition: Preludes and Nocturnes
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Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
