Kirby Howell-Baptiste has described how The Sandman's Death differentiates itself from previous versions of the character on the big screen.
"Most of the time when we see a representation of Death, it's so focused on the end," the actor explained to Entertainment Weekly. "But this character says, 'I was there in the beginning, and I'll be there in the end.' Death is born of life. I think there's something very beautiful and cyclical about her position in the world, because it's so much about the full journey that she is there for. That lends itself to a more feminine energy — there is this much more nurturing, caring side to Death than we've ever seen before." Howell-Baptiste added, "When we think of power, our idea of it is being dominating and forceful. But I think Death's power is quiet, humble, and self-assured. She is aware of what she can do."
Viewers have already been able to see the "more nurturing, caring side to Death" in one of the official clips Netflix has released ahead of the upcoming drama series' release on the streaming service. The scene featured Tom Sturridge's Morpheus/Dream as he watched Kirby Howell-Baptiste's Death claim an elderly violist. After the clip was released, The Sandman creator Neil Gaiman posted online that he had cried the first time he "saw this scene in the finished episode." He also stated, "If you are wondering why I cast Kirby as Death, this is why." Gaiman previously praised Howell-Baptiste's performance as Death when he defended The Sandman's color-blind casting process after some fans criticized the actor's casting due to her race.
The Sandman's Dream is the Perfect Halloween Costume
Howell-Baptiste is also eager to see The Sandman fans replicate her Death costume for Comic-Cons and Halloween parties, explaining that Death's outfit is cheap and easy to put together. "People can literally just get a black tank top, black jeans, boots, and an ankh," she said. "I cannot wait to see people dressed as Death. It's one of the things I'm most excited about."
The Sandman will follow the people and places affected by Morpheus, the Dream King and one of the seven Endless, as he tries to fix all the cosmic and human mistakes he’s made during his vast existence. The first season will consist of 10 episodes, covering the events of the comic's first story arc Preludes & Nocturnes, which deals with Dream escaping imprisonment and the immediate aftermath.
The Sandman premieres on Netflix on August 5.
Source: Entertainment Weekly