It was literally just yesterday that we were reading and talking about Sandman moving forward with a new writer and Joseph Gordon-Levitt was still around for the fun. The same can’t be said now because Gordon-Levitt has left the project. The actor released a statement on Facebook Saturday afternoon that announced his departure, sparked by creative differences according to The Hollywood Reporter:
“The folks at New Line and I just don’t see eye to eye on what makes Sandman special,” said Gordon-Levitt on Facebook, “and what a film adaptation could/should be. So unfortunately, I decided to remove myself from the project.”
New Line had not commented at the time of publication, but it would seem that Gordon-Levitt’s personal desires for a Sandman adaptation did not meet their expectations. Or maybe the switch from Warner to New Line affected the grand scope of the project. All assumptions, but it is a fact that Sandman is a sprawling tale that many claim would be impossible to film.
Gordon-Levitt’s departure certainly puts a damper on the news released Saturday morning, changing hope into uncertainty. It was already questionable enough to turn Sandman into a film before, but it seems even murkier without that personal passion behind it. You can read Gordon-Levitt’s full statement below.
