Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s love of comic book culture has already led to roles in the likes of GI Joe and Dark Knight Rises. Now that’s he’s got his directorial debut, Don Jon, under his belt, he’s looking to adapt a comic property many before him have tried to get to the screen – Neil Gaiman’s Sandman.
Rumours emerged last month that he was thinking about starring in an adaptation of the comics, but now Deadline reports that he is finalising a deal to star, produce and direct the movie. The movie will team him with Dark Knight Trilogy veteran David S. Goyer, who recently pitched a well-received take on the DC Comics property, which they’re now going to try to make into a workable script. The studio is currently seeking a writer to adapt the comic book.
Gordon-Levitt will play Morpheus, the personification of Dreams in a family known as The Endless, whose members represent other aspects of life such as Death, Delirium, Desire, Destruction, Despair and Destiny. The story follows Morpheus, who escapes after being held captive by a wizard for the past 70 years. He goes on a journey to get revenge for his imprisonment, while trying to rebuild his empire and adapt to the current society.