The British writer Neil Gaiman is one of the most talented fantasy and science fiction authors of this generation. His work has been critically praised worldwide and he has a number of successful novels, comics, and screenplays.
Many of Gaiman's works have been adapted to the big or small screen, although there are plenty of stories that are on the verge of becoming cinematic classics. Here are 5 adapted Neil Gaiman stories that are great and 5 we would love to see produced for film or TV.
ADAPT: NORSE MYTHOLOGY
The Norse Mythology book was one of the most recent additions to Gaiman's long list of work and it is full of absolutely fantastic short stories. They paint a colorful picture of the fables surrounding heroes such as Thor and villains like Loki.
Although these stories are, of course, playing out on the big screen through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, these more authentic tales deserve attention as well, especially since the concept is currently relevant. A miniseries based on the book would be perfect.
ADAPTED: STARDUST
Stardust is a charming fantasy novel and one of Gaiman's most well-known works. It has also been adapted to a film that carries the same wit, fantastical elements, and, of course, charm as the source material.
Stardust is such a fun movie, based around a young hero trying to win the heart of a woman by capturing a star and bringing it back to her. With a huge cast including Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer as well as brilliant direction, Stardust is a family favorite across the world.
ADAPT: THE SANDMAN
The Vertigo print line at DC Comics has produced some astounding pieces of work that have been often brought into the wider DC universe. The Sandman is one of the most groundbreaking comics in the industry and stands the test of time.
For years, various entities have tried to adapt Gaiman's mythical tale. As the comics continue to produce sequels set in the same world, companies like Warner Bros. have tried and failed to create an adaptation. Perhaps the latest deal between WB and Netflix will see the comic finally adapted.
ADAPTED: GOOD OMENS
Neil Gaiman and British legend Terry Pratchett, worked on a project together that has recently become a hit courtesy of the BBC and Amazon. Good Omens is the story of an angel and a demon trying to stop the Antichrist from causing the apocalypse.
The recent show was an expert adaptation of the book, with Neil Gaiman himself both writing and producing the series. David Tennant and Michael Sheen shine in the lead roles as Heaven and Hell come to odds over the fate of the planet.
ADAPT: NEVERWHERE
The odd thing about Neverwhere is that this is a creation of Neil Gaiman and Lenny Henry's that actually came about from a TV show. In fact, the book and the show were heavily linked to one another, so it may seem odd that we're calling for a new adaptation.
However, giving this story set in a fantasy land called London Below a more cinematic adaptation could bring even more magic to the title. Neverwhere is a wonderful story and one that would be perfect to adapt to live-action once more; even if it did recently receive a radio version.
ADAPTED: AMERICAN GODS
American Gods is one of Gaiman's longest novels, with a world so well written that it has managed to spawn an ongoing television series based around these incredible characters. The story sees the old and new gods trying to co-exist in a fictional world.
American Gods is a brilliant piece of television with a perfect set of cast members. The series had been in development for a long time but it has now become one of the most successful adaptations of Gaiman's work, with the writer himself heavily involved in the project.
ADAPT: THE GRAVEYARD BOOK
The Graveyard Book is an inspiring tale that has been in development for some time. It's about a young boy who loses his parents and is brought up by the spirits that live in the nearby graveyard. It's packed with heart and is another fantasy classic.
Many different companies have actually been interested in adapting this story. Miramax was trying to get it off the ground before Disney thought they could adapt it. However, it then got passed on to PIXAR before being dropped once again.
ADAPTED: CORALINE
Few animated films garnered the critical reception of Coraline. It's so different from anything else seen in the genre that it wasn't surprising when the movie won many accolades and became a cult classic.
Coraline is an adaptation of a Neil Gaiman book and his mark can be felt on the final product; from the aesthetic to the characterizations. This story of a young girl will be re-watched and read over and over again for many years to come.
ADAPT: ANANSI BOYS
The Anansi Boys is a difficult one to talk about without mentioning American Gods. The two books feature the same character, Mr. Nancy, who appears as a player in both worlds. Due to its connection to American Gods, Anansi Boys has sort of been adapted.
Elements of the book have been used in the American Gods TV show. However, a direct adaptation has never actually happened. A film could do justice to this story about two kids who are left to discover one another after their deity father dies.
ADAPTED: LUCIFER
One of the most well-known aspects of Neil Gaiman's Sandman is the character of Lucifer. He has since received his own line of comics and even a TV show that's been set in the wider Arrowverse due to the recent DC crossover.
The TV show is, therefore, in part an adaptation of Neil Gaiman's work on the character from the comics, although it's not fair to say that this is The Sandman itself brought to the small screen. Perhaps the new Netflix series can also crossover in some way.