The Sandman season 2 has been in production since November 2023. It's been a long and grueling wait for fans to see the next batch of episodes, and it seems like the new season will contain a lot more content than we first imagined. New leaked photos strongly suggest (but don't confirm) that the sophomore season will cover The Kindly Ones, the penultimate volume of the comics.
The photos in question show Mervyn Pumpkinhead, the resident janitor of The Dreaming voiced by Mark Hamill, on set. In the scene he's holding a rifle; fans already know this is a scene from The Kindly Ones, the comic's climactic volume. Take a look.
Moreover, the Fates and Lyta Hall (Razane Jammal) are back on set, as well as newcomer Nuala (Ann Skelly):
When these set leaks were revealed, fans came out in droves to voice their opinions against it. The Sandman season 1 covered the first two volumes of Neil Gaiman's comic, and a bit of volume 3. For season 2 to jump all the way up to volume 9 is very surprising, especially taking into account that Gaiman has previously hinted at five seasons on the way.
Given the fact that the new season has a rumored 12 episodes, the idea of covering the story right up to The Kindly Ones is certainly dangerous territory. The story would be rushed beyond belief, and issues from the comic would undoubtedly have to be axed.
Is The Sandman ending early?
While these updates are definitely concerning, it doesn't mean The Sandman is ending with season 2. Currently, we simply don't know how Netflix will structure the rest of the show. The streamer notably refused to call the renewal a 'season 2' but rather an extension of the series.
The Sandman season 1 filmed scenes that wouldn't be used until season 2 and beyond. It's totally possible that season 2 is filming scenes that won't hit screens until much later in the show's run. It could even be a flash-forward sequence. It's all a mystery right now.
The Sandman season 2 is slated to premiere sometime in early 2025. Netflix hasn't set a premiere date yet, but as we continue to get cast announcements, it feels like it's coming into view.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and Twitter account, sign up for our exclusive newsletter and check out our YouTube channel.