The Sandman comic series by Neil Gaiman is finally being adapted into a television series by Netflix. However, some people have complained about the fact that Gwendoline Christie will be playing the role of Lucifer Morningstar in the epic fantasy series and complain that Christie's casting isn't accurate to the original Lucifer. However, Neil Gaiman, Gwendoline Christie, and the team behind the Sandman adaptation have swiftly demonstrated why these claims are ridiculous.
The Sandman follows the trials and tribulations of Morpheus (aka Dream), the king of dreams and one of the Endless beings. After being trapped by a cult for 105 years, Morpheus escapes and sets out to reclaim his identity in the realm of the Dreaming. Along the way, Morpheus interacts with many entities, including the personifications of Death, Despair, Desire, Delirium, and Destruction. He also meets Lucifer Morningstar, an angel who became the ruler of hell after disobeying God. Those who are upset with the casting argue that Gwendoline Christie playing Lucifer doesn’t match the source material as Lucifer often appears as a dapper gentleman throughout the DC comics, and The Sandman's Lucifer even appeared this way in the Arrowverse.
These criticisms don’t hold up when looking closer at The Sandman source material. Lucifer is a powerful being who can alter reality itself, so there is nothing prohibiting the character from taking on a form different from the one in the comics. Lucifer has already taken on various forms several times throughout the main series and throughout the wider DC universe. The original author of The Sandman comics, Neil Gaiman, commented on why this backlash is ridiculous. Gaiman said: “How exactly has the character changed? Is it the penis? It’s okay. Lucifer in the comics didn’t have a penis, and I don’t believe Gwendoline Christie has one either. The dialogue’s the same… it’s that Gwendoline’s taller than the Lucifer in the Sandman comics, isn’t it?” Neil Gaiman has adapted his work to television several times now in shows like Good Omens and American Gods, so he is well aware that changes have to be made to keep the story fresh for a new audience as well as the old. The Sandman’s creator is well aware of what defines the character Lucifer, and according to Gaiman, it's actions and words that define the character rather than appearance.
Not only does Gwendoline Christie have the blessing of The Sandman’s creator, but she also looks amazing in the role. Christie has also delivered iconic performances as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones, Captain Phasma in the J.J. Abrams Star Wars series, and Commander Lyme in The Hunger Games, so she has more than proven she can take on complex roles within beloved franchises. Gwendoline Christie first appeared as Lucifer in the second The Sandman trailer, silhouetted with enormous wings, she then controlled fire and confronted Morpheus/Dream. In an IGN behind-the-scenes featurette, Christie commented, “I read The Sandman graphic novels, so I knew I simply had to be involved in this project because something truly unique was going to happen.” So naysayers to Christie's casting can be reassured that she has not only read the source material but has great respect for it.
Although some audience members will be disappointed that Tom Ellis will not be reprising his role from Lucifer, they should not deprive themselves of experiencing a new interpretation of the character. The Lucifer TV series has ended, and it's time for a new actor to take up the mantel of DC's Lucifer Morningstar. A major theme of The Sandman comics is change, and if the audience cannot try something new then they are denying themselves the pleasure of being surprised by a good story before it even has the chance to be told. Gwendoline Christie’s love of the source material combined with Neil Gaiman’s blessing should reassure all who loved The Sandman comics that the new Lucifer will suit the series' needs.