RE-ENTER SANDMAN

The Sandman is back. Its stars Tom Sturridge and Kirby Howell-Baptiste tell us what to expect. By ELLA WALKER

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IF you're coming to The Sandman cold, it'd be wise to brush up on some background before diving into the second and final series of this sprawling American fantasy drama.

Written by Allan Heinberg and based on DC Comic The Sandman by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg, it was announced that the second series would be its last - following allegations of sexual assault against English writer and executive producer, Gaiman, who has denied all the claims.

During the first series, viewers were introduced to Dream (Tom Sturridge), a member of the Endless - seven dysfunctional siblings that physically manifest elements of the universe - who had been imprisoned for 150 years. Finally on the loose once more, he sought to restore his broken realm, The Dreaming.

London-born Tom, 39, has returned for series two's 12-episode run - all directed by Jamie Childs (His Dark Materials).

"We find Dream in a place of rebuilding. He's trying to bring his kingdom back to its former strength. And he's called by his brother to a family meeting, the consequences of which are enormous," explains the Far From The Madding Crowd actor. "One of the most thrilling things about this season, and particularly the opening, is to have the siblings of the Endless together in one room for the first time and to see this extraordinary family exist on-screen together."