The Sandman Season 2 introduces new gods

The world of The Dreaming in Netflix’s The Sandman has grown to include a fascinating array of characters, from gods and faeries to hobgoblins and a sarcastic dog.

The latest additions to the cast bring Orpheus, the son of The Sandman (Tom Sturridge) and Calliope (Mellisanthi Mahut), to life, played by Ruairi O’Connor. Fans will also see three Norse gods: Odin, Thor, and Loki. Clive Russell takes on the role of Odin, with The Gentlemen’s Laurence O’Fuarain and Freddie Fox portraying Thor and Loki respectively.

Joining the mystical ensemble are faerie siblings Nuala (played by Ann Skelly) and Cluracan (Douglas Booth). Additionally, Jack Gleeson will appear as Puck, the hobgoblin jester of King Auberon.

Indya Moore portrays Wanda, a driver and security agent, while Barry Sloane embodies Destruction or The Prodigal, accompanied by his cynical dog Barnabas (voiced by Steve Coogan).

In May, the full ensemble of the Endless was unveiled. Besides Dream, the lineup includes Death (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), Desire (Mason Alexander Park), Despair (Donna Preston), Destruction, aka The Prodigal, Delirium (Esmé Creed-Miles), and Destiny (Adrian Lester).

Returning for the eagerly awaited second season are Patton Oswalt as Matthew the Raven, Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar, Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne, Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine, Razane Jammal as Lyta Hall, Asim Chaudhry as Abel, Stephen Fry as Gilbert, Ferdinand Kingsley as Hob Gadling, Sanjeev Bhaskar as Cain, and Vanesu Samunyai as Rose Walker.

Orpheus, a significant character in Greek mythology, is depicted as a poet, musician, and oracle with a tragic romantic story. An episode titled “The Song of Orpheus” suggests his central role in season two. Consequently, fans anticipate the casting of Eurydice.

The Norse gods Odin, Thor, and Loki follow their mythological roots. In Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman, Loki emerges as a pivotal character. All three gods debut in the graphic novel “Season of Mists,” another announced episode. Odin temporarily frees Loki to aid in negotiating the rulership of Hell, showcasing Loki’s deceitful nature.

The faerie duo Cluracan and Nuala first appear in “Season of Mists.” Cluracan, an amoral and capricious rogue, resembles Loki’s trickster persona. Although he engages in mischief, he ultimately aids his sister, who has a connection to Dream. Cluracan’s name is inspired by the Irish mythological creature Cluricaun.

Nuala’s name might remind some of the sibling pair in “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” but she is indeed a different character. Shakespearian enthusiasts will recognize Puck from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and The Sandman’s Puck is similarly whimsical. He is expected to feature prominently, especially alongside Loki.

Wanda, who is Barbie’s friend in the graphic novels, may have an expanded role in the series as a driver and security agent, likely serving Dream.

Another intriguing addition is Barnabas, the dog. In the graphic novels, Barnabas appears as a mix between a German Shepherd and another breed. His origins remain mysterious, and while originally belonging to Destruction, he is tasked with guarding Delirium.

Production of the long-awaited second season was disrupted by last year’s dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Although a specific release date for The Sandman’s return is yet to be announced, indications suggest it could premiere sometime in 2025.

Fans can only speculate about the second season’s story arc based on available information, including the complete Endless family and six of the 12 episode titles, such as “The Song of Orpheus” and “Season of Mists.”

The season might open with “The Song of Orpheus,” though chronological storytelling could start with the “Season of Mists” arc. This could then lead to “More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Hold,” a Shakespearean line, and “The Ruler of Hell.”

It’s plausible “The Song of Orpheus” could feature mid-season, setting the stage for volume seven, “Brief Lives,” which likely includes “Family Blood” as the finale.

A tentative episode list could look like this:

1. Season of Mists Prologue
2. SOM
3. More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Hold
4. SOM
5. The Ruler of Hell
6. Thermidor
7. The Song of Orpheus
8. Brief Lives
9. BL
10. BL
11. BL
12. Family Blood

Given the special episodes released post-season one, fans might also see additional episodes. For now, season one of The Sandman is available for streaming on Netflix.

Source: ClutchPoints, Deadline