Writer Neil Gaiman revealed the correct pronouns for Lord Lucifer in the Netflix adaptation of The Sandman.
In response to a fan's inquiry regarding the appropriate way to address the ruler of Hell, the renowned author claimed there were several pronouns applicable to actor Gwendoline Christie's portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar. "Dream and I use 'Lord Lucifer,' and Lord Lucifer uses 'we/us/ours' when formal and 'I/me/mine' when informal," Gaiman wrote on Tumblr. "Beyond that, I think he or she or they are all fine, if you must use pronouns, and you do not believe that Lucifer deserves only nouns."
Lucifer's gender identity was always unconventional by human standards, being that angels -- even those who fell from grace -- were genderless creatures in The Sandman comics. While the source material often depicted Lucifer as an eternally young and handsome male, Gaiman claimed the Morningstar was no exception to this rule and revealed the ruler of Hell was neither man nor woman. Despite this, some fans still criticized the show's creators when they revealed Christie would be playing the role of Lucifer in the Netflix adaptation, with a few even calling the choice antisemitic and sacrilegious. Gaiman jokingly encouraged them to call for a boycott of The Sandman and claimed they would not stop the show's release.
Gwendoline Christie Used Experience From Her Game of Thrones Role as Inspiration
Christie also previously commented on Lucifer's gender, with the actor revealing she believed her casting wasn't really a gender flip of the original DC character longtime fans of the franchise have come to love. "Neil clarified that Lucifer is a fallen angel and that an angel doesn't have [a] gender at all," Christie said. "And I can play androgynous." Christie credited her experience with androgynous characters to her role as Brienne of Tarth in HBO's Game of Thrones. The actor also stated that she hoped her previous work would help improve her portrayal of Lucifer.
Despite some fans' anger over Christie's casting, Gaiman promised the Game of Thrones alum would be returning in Season 2 of The Sandman. He hinted the series would pick up straight from where it left off in the Season 1 finale, which showcased Lucifer seemingly plotting her revenge against Dream of the Endless. Gaiman also claimed the show's followers will have no clue as to what will take place in the events leading up to Dream and Lucifer's anticipated rematch and that "they are simply not prepared for where it's gonna go."
All 11 episodes of The Sandman are available for streaming on Netflix.
Source: Tumblr