Tom Sturridge as Dream in episode 203 of ‘The Sandman.’ Photo: Netflix © 2025.
‘The Sandman’ Season 2 Volume 1 receives 7 out of 10 stars.
Released on Netflix on July 3rd, ‘The Sandman’ returns with the first batch of episodes from its second season, focusing once again on the machinations of stoic, powerful mythological figure Dream (Tom Sturridge, ‘On the Road’).
Overseen by showrunner and executive producer Allan Heinberg (‘Wonder Woman’) the cast for the new season also includes Kirby (‘The Good Place’), Mason Alexander Park (‘National Anthem’), Esmé Creed-Miles (‘Hanna’) and Adrian Lester (‘Mary, Queen of Scots’).
Related Article: Steve Coogan, Douglas Booth and More Added to ‘The Sandman’ Season 2
Initial Thoughts

Kirby as Death in episode 205 of ‘The Sandman.’ Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025.
It is almost impossible to discuss this new season of ‘The Sandman’ without addressing the Neil Gaiman elephant in the room. The original creator and writer of the classic graphic novel series from where the Netflix show draws its source material is facing some serious misconduct allegations, and that goes some way to explain why his presence has been all but vanished in the promotion for the second season.
All of which is to say that we’re in a case of separating the art from the artist, and not dismissing the hard work that the creative team, crew and cast have put into the new show. ‘Sandman’ is a show that fans have been eagerly awaiting, and while it’s somewhat frustrating that Netflix has opted to dole it out in chunks (much as with ‘Stranger Things’ or ‘Cobra Kai’), this first “Volume” represents a satisfying story.
Script and Direction

Mason Alexander Park as Desire in episode 205 of ‘The Sandman.’ Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025.
The writers’ room, overseen by showrunner Allan Heinberg, is here adapting more of the beloved ‘Sandman’ stories, albeit with their own twist.
We get to meet more members of the Endless family, including Destiny and Destruction (AKA “The Prodigal”) who all have their own ways of dealing with being anthropomorphic representations of abstract ideas.
There is also pleasure to be found in the choices of stories this time around –– the likes of Thor, Loki and other Norse gods appear, as do Oberon and Titania, summoned to watch a production of the Shakespeare play in which they feature.
This season features even more of a narrative drive than the first, tying together the various narratives in interesting, thoughtful fashion.
Director Jamie Childs handled three episodes of Season 1 and returns to take over all of the second, bringing the same stylish visions to life.
While there are moments that the effects don’t always quite live up to the imagination of the team, the show in general is still impressive.
Cast and Performances

Tom Sturridge as Dream in episode 205 of ‘The Sandman.’ Photo: Netflix © 2025.
Tom Sturridge remains the focal point of the show even the story sometimes wanders off without him. His Dream is a stoic, haunted character, and while he’s not always the most charismatic (by design), he’s still compelling.
Around him, the other members of the Endless “family” have their own appeal, especially Mason Alexander Park as the preening, selfish Desire and Esmé Creed-Miles as the whimsical, sometimes psychotic Delirium.
When the Endless are assembled, it’s always more entertaining watching their familiar dynamic –– my only problem? Needed more Death, since Kirby is the best of the bunch (and we’re promised an adaptation of one of the character’s best storylines, ‘Death: The High Cost of Living’ as a standalone episode later in the season).
Elsewhere, new characters that make an impact include Dream’s son, Orpheus (Ruairi O’Connor), who plays an important part later in the season, and Ann Skelly, who impresses as Nuala, a member of Oberon and Titania’s royal court, who ends up making a big change in her life.

Ann Skelly as Nuala in episode 203 of ‘The Sandman.’ Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025.
There is also a welcome return for some of the supporting characters from Season 1, including Merv Pumpkinhead (voiced by Mark Hamill), Matthew the Raven (with the vocal tones of Patton Oswalt), and Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne, the librarian who serves as Dream’s main assistant. Plus Hob Gadling, granted immortality, and who meets Dream every hundred years or so, has a solid scene early in the new season, with Ferdinand Kingsley bringing him to cocky, funny life.
Final Thoughts

Barry Sloane as Destruction in episode 206 of ‘The Sandman.’ Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025.
Since this and Volume 2 (due on July 24th) represent the last ‘Sandman’ output we’ll be seeing for the foreseeable future, it’s at least reassuring that these are effective, well-crafted takes on the stories.
Is it a perfect version? No, but it has enough verve and magic about to cast a spell.

“Dream the world anew.”
What’s the plot of ‘The Sandman’ Season 2 Volume 1?
After a fateful reunion with his family, Dream of the Endless (Tom Sturridge) must face one impossible decision after another as he attempts to save himself, his kingdom, and the waking world from the epic fallout of his past misdeeds.
To make amends, Dream must confront longtime friends and foes, gods, monsters, and mortals. But the path to forgiveness is full of unexpected twists and turns, and true absolution may cost Dream everything.
Who stars in ‘The Sandman’ Season 2 Volume 1?

Jenna Coleman as Lady Johanna in episode 206 of ‘The Sandman.’ Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025.
Movies and TV Shows Based on Vertigo Comics:
Buy Vertigo Comics Movies and TV on Amazon