Netflix 'Sandman' project tipped as most expensive DC show ever

Netflix plans to adapt Neil Gaiman's Sandman comic from DC Comics into a television series, a new report claims. This won't be the first time the comic has faced a big adaption, though past efforts have largely failed. The leak claims Netflix has made a 'massive financial commitment' for this adaption, allegedly making it the most expensive DC Entertainment work to date.

The information comes from The Hollywood Reporter, which claims in a new report that Netflix has signed a deal for the series with Warner Bros. Television. The show is described as a live-action undertaking with Allan Heinberg as both showrunner and writer. David Goyer and Neil Gaiman will both serve as executive producers, the report claims.

The Sandman is a comic book series written by Neil Gaiman; the comic was published by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint from 1989 to 1993. The series was Vertigo's flagship title, and it went on to earn critical praise, with The Sandman having the distinction as being of the first graphic novels to hit the New York Times Bestseller list.

According to the new report, HBO was given the chance to develop the series, but the premium network allegedly turned down the offer due to the 'massive price tag.' However, Netflix is said to have jumped on the opportunity, giving the company its own potentially major hit adaption. The streaming company is likewise adapting Roald Dahl works and The Chronicles of Narnia.

The report doesn't provide any figures for the alleged deal, stating only that Netflix has made a substantial commitment. There's likewise no word at this time about when Netflix anticipates releasing the show's first series and whether any casting has taken place.