Neil Gaiman reflected on the tweet that led to the casting of non-binary actor Mason Alexander Park in Netflix’s The Sandman.
On 5 August, the popular streamer released the highly anticipated series to critical acclaim.
The show – which is based on the DC comic of the same name – follows Morpheus (Tom Sturridge), one of the seven Endless and the personification of dreams.
After being released from a 106-year-long imprisonment, Morpheus sets out on a tumultuous adventure to rebuild his realm, The Dreaming, and figure out who was responsible behind his capture.
While the show has been praised for accurately adapting the comic book, fans have also lauded the series for its inclusion of LGBTQ+ actors and characters – including Park’s portrayal of the mischievous Desire.
One fan wrote: “Desire slayed so hard in The Sandman and I’m so happy to see a non-binary character with a non-binary actor.”
Another fan tweeted: “Eternally grateful for the masterpiece that is The Sandman. I never read the comics which I will be doing now. [Mason Alexander Park] your depiction of Desire, unlocked something in me, freed something I thought I’d lost. Idk how to explain in words but wow thank you.”
However, before landing on our screens as the sensual yet chilling Desire, Park’s casting journey started off with the help of Twitter.
In October 2020, Gaiman took to the popular social media app to express his excitement over the beginning of The Sandman’s production.
Mason’s reply began the process of getting @MasonAPark cast. But my original tweet now feels like it was written from a time that’s passed. The groaning hinges of the world indeed. pic.twitter.com/kPFALLtxX7
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) August 10, 2022
“I’m just about to watch the first day’s “dailies” from Sandman, and realised that the people reading Sandman now are the last ones to get to read it in a world where there’s no Sandman adaptation,” he wrote at the time.
In response to Gaiman’s statement, Park wrote: “Will Desire be making an appearance S1? And if so, please tell me you haven’t found them yet/are still auditioning.”
On 10 August, Gaiman uploaded a screenshot of the aforementioned exchange to Twitter and reflected on how that moment started Park’s eventual casting.
“Mason’s reply began the process of getting [Mason Alexander Park] cast. But my original tweet now feels like it was written from a time that’s passed. The groaning hinges of the world indeed.” he wrote.
The non-binary actor replied: “Endlessly grateful.”
Gaiman’s recent tweet came a day after Netflix praised Park for their performance and their unique casting journey.
“Now, if that’s still not enough reason for you to finally shoot your shot, I don’t know what is.” the popular streaming service tweeted.
You can watch the first season of The Sandman on Netflix.
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