Hot off his audacious directorial debut “Don Jon,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt is nearing a deal to star in, produce and possibly direct an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s classic comic book “Sandman” for Warner Bros., an individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap.
Warner Bros. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Gordon-Levitt will produce with David Goyer, who recently pitched his take on the material to Warners. The duo will begin looking for a writer soon, and while the ambitious Gordon-Levitt would like to direct the film, Warner Bros. won’t make a decision on that front until it sees a script.
Also Read: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Reveals First Look at Variety Show ‘HitRecord on TV’ (Video)
The “Sandman” series follows Morpheus, who serves as the embodiment of dreams and creates dreams for those who sleep. Gordon-Levitt is expected to play Morpheus, who often cedes the spotlight to other characters in the “Sandman” universe.
Warner Bros. has been seeking a franchise for Gordon-Levitt to star in, and while “Sandman” may be years away, it’s the sort of intelligent comic book vehicle that the actor-turned-director would take to.
Gordon-Levitt, who next stars in “Sin City: A Dame to Die For,” is also circling a remake of “Little Shop of Horrors” and the musical “Guys and Dolls,” which Fox just hired Danny Strong to write. He’s represented by WME.
Also Read: Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s ‘Don Jon’ Reviewed by a Porn Star (Video)
The “Sandman” news was first reported last month by Devin Faraci of Badass Digest.