If you’re struggling to wake up, rubbing sleep dust out of your eyes, yawning theatrically, and/or waiting for your coffee to finish brewing, you might not have noticed that Lord Morpheus (and Netflix) left a present for you to enjoy once you’ve fully awoken: a new, extremely unannounced 11th episode of The Sandman TV series, ready for your fully conscious viewing pleasure.
The episode adapts two stand-alone issues of the Dream Country graphic novel, “Night of a Thousand Cats” and “Calliope.” The former is about a cat who seeks out Lord Morpheus (who, in this particular tale, is technically The Sandcat, because cats absolutely dream) while the latter is about an author who captures a literal Muse — as in one of the ancient Greek goddesses who were said to inspire all forms of art — as his figurative muse. There’s a short trailer that’s well worth watching:
the world of THE SANDMAN just got a little bigger: a two-part bonus episode — featuring memorable comic issues “A Dream of a Thousand Cats” and “Calliope” — is now streaming on Netflix pic.twitter.com/4nMvRDZ0g3
— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) August 19, 2022
A couple of things to note here. First, the animation in “Night of a Thousand Cats” is just stunningly gorgeous. Second, this “special event” managed to nab a great many celebrities to take part in it in addition to Tom Sturridge in the series’ titular role. You’ll likely recognise Doctor Who’s Arthur Darvill and Derek Jacobi in the live-action Calliope,” but the voice cast for “Cats” includes Good Omens’ Michael Sheen and David Tennant (who was also Who, yes), The Sandman audio series’ James McAvoy, Killing Eve’s Sandra Oh, and creator Neil Gaiman as “Crow/Skull Bird.” It’s wild.
What’s also wild is how Netflix just added a new, single episode to a series that debuted a full two weeks ago, on August 5. I don’t recall the streaming service doing anything like that before, but if the show has been continuing to work on more Sandman beyond the initial 10 episodes, then I think it’s safe to assume that they’re working on a second season as well.
Want more Gizmodo news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel and Star Wars releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.