Pictures: RTE / Getty Images
The Sandman season 2 has cast its third actor to play William Shakespeare in the form of Will Keen (His Dark Materials, The Crown). Additionally, we understand that Colin Morgan — star of the BBC’s hit show Merlin — is also making an appearance this season alongside actress Jade Anouka, who featured in Fool Me Once for Netflix, Dune: Prophecy, and His Dark Materials.
Just recently confirmed to be the final season of The Sandman, these three names join a quite frankly staggeringly impressive cast for season 2. The streamer has not yet set a release date although our understanding is that it’s set to arrive this Summer. Among the star-studded ensemble cast for season 2 are the arrivals of some big names: Steve Coogan, Freddie Fox, Barry Sloane, Jack Gleeson, Adrian Lester, and many more. You can check out our comprehensive cast list here.
The Sandman season 2 will consist of 12 episodes. The official synopsis reads: “In Netflix’s The Sandman Season 2, Dream of the Endless — after a fateful reunion with his family — 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 mistakes.”
Will Keen joins season 2 as the third actor to play William Shakespeare
Despite all the casting announcements, there’s even more stars entering the fray. We will start with Will Keen, who we now know — thanks to his profile on Independent Talent — will be playing William Shakespeare. Bizarrely, this makes him the third actor to star as the iconic playwright. The character first appeared in season 1 episode “The Sound of Her Wings,” played by Samuel Blenkin. We also know from a previous reveal that Shakespeare will be played in season 2 by Luke Allen-Gale.
With Will Keen now cast as Shakespeare, it appears that the character is undergoing a series of confusing casting changes. However, there is a valid reason behind each casting. In the comics, William Shakespeare features in three distinct story arcs: “Men of Good Fortune” (The Sandman #13), “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (The Sandman #19), and “The Tempest” (The Sandman #75).
We see Shakespeare over three generations of his life: as a young aspiring playwright, an established writer, and as an old man, in the final issue of the entire Sandman saga. The three actors we see well represent those generations of Shakespeare. Plus, the casting of Keen all but confirms that season 2 is covering The Tempest issue from the comics. It will most likely be the final scene of the series, unless the writers change things up slightly.
Colin Morgan joins The Sandman season 2?
Another very exciting casting sees Colin Morgan join the upcoming season. It’s worth noting that this casting has not yet been officially confirmed by Netflix.
Morgan, 39, rose to fame for his portrayal of the wizard Merlin in the hit BBC series of the same name. Most recently, he starred in The Boy That Never Was (2024). Interestingly, The Sandman marks his first-ever role in a Netflix Original project.
In 2024, Morgan signed several NDAs for projects due this year, one of which we now understand to be The Sandman.
We also have a good idea of who he’s playing. During filming, various images (surfaced by UnBoxPHD) show stunt double Tim Davies as Sexton, a character from the Sandman story Death: The High Cost of Living. On IMDb, Davies is listed as the stunt double for Colin Morgan, and if you’ve seen the set images, you’ll know he heavily resembles Morgan. Case closed?
We have contacted Morgan’s representatives for comments about his role in the series, but they have yet to respond. Netflix declined to comment.
Jade Anouka to feature in The Sandman Season 2
Picture: Instagram
Finally, in a recent interview with Original Magazine, Jade Anouka confirmed she would be starring in a small role, having just recently filmed Dune: Prophecy. She told the outlet, “I shot a bit on the new Sandman series, so look out for that. That should be fun.”
Are you excited for season 2 of The Sandman? Let us know in the comments down below.
Rating: TV-MA
