Joseph Gordon-Levitt is jumping ship from Sandman, the long-in-the-works film based on the comics created by Neil Gaiman.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor (who was also slated to direct) is parting ways with the studio over creative differences in bringing Gaiman’s character — Morpheus, Lord of Dreams — to the big screen.
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In a statement on Facebook, Gordon-Levitt lauded Sandman “one of the most beloved and boundary-pushing titles in the world of comics,”; but explained: “The folks at New Line and I just don’t see eye to eye on what makes Sandman special and what a film adaptation could/should be. So unfortunately, I decided to remove myself from the project.”;
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Shortly after the announcement, Gaiman took to Twitter to express admiration for Gordon-Levitt:
And, for the record, my respect for @hitRECordJoe, is undiminished. Getting to know him was the best bit of the last round. He’s special.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) March 5, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe actor responded in kind:
.@neilhimself Deepest thanks, kind sir. I sincerely hope we find another way to collaborate sooner than later.. — Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) March 5, 2016
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Gaiman was also quick to point out that he doesn’t own the character, and has little control over what happens with the movie.
Reminder for the curious: I don’t own SANDMAN. @DCComics does. I don’t choose who writes scripts, the director, producer or cast.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) March 6, 2016
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