When The Sandman cast a female Lucifer for its TV series adaptation, the decision certainly raised some eyebrows. Neil Gaiman’s epic fantasy horror comic book series was published by DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint. The series is a rich tapestry of mythology, history, and pop culture.
Why Did The Show Creators Choose A Female Lucifer for The Sandman?
In the recent Netflix adaptation, one particular creative decision has sparked a flurry of conversation: the casting of Gwendoline Christie, a female actor, in the role of Lucifer. This bold move, which sees a traditionally male character being reimagined as female, has raised intriguing questions about the creators’ motivations and intent.
The Sandman is a series renowned for its diverse cast of characters, both in terms of their origins and personalities. The characters are drawn from various mythologies, religions, and folklore, embodying a wide array of virtues, vices, and quirks.
There are several reasons why the creators of the 2022 show The Sandman decided to cast a female Lucifer. The underlying motive, however, is rooted in the very ethos of the comic series the show is based on. Created by Neil Gaiman, the original The Sandman comic series is renowned for its avant-garde approach to storytelling and character development.
The Origin of Female Lucifer
One of the distinctive traits of Gaiman’s narrative style is his willingness to challenge traditional norms and stereotypes. By casting a woman in the role of Lucifer, the show creators not only embrace this ethos but also deepen the complexity and intrigue associated with the character. The decision adds a layer of surprise and curiosity, prompting watchers to rethink their preconceived notions about Lucifer.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that Lucifer has been portrayed as female in Gaiman’s universe. In the original comic series, Lucifer is depicted with androgynous features, blurring the lines of traditional gender norms. This portrayal, unique and radical for its time, has been faithfully adapted in the Netflix series, further enhancing the character’s mystique and multifaceted nature.
Neil Gaiman himself has defended the casting of Gwendoline Christie as the female Lucifer in the series multiple times.
How exactly has the character changed? Is it the penis? It’s okay. Lucifer in the comics didn’t have a penis, and I don’t believe Gwendoline Christie has one either. The dialogue’s the same… it’s that Gwendoline’s taller than the Lucifer in the Sandman comics, isn’t it? https://t.co/Y03xA7jZoB
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) May 16, 2022
Dude. This is going to hurt, but David Bowie's dead. We knew he wasn't available to play Lucifer any longer. That's why we cast Gwendoline Christie. https://t.co/P6JIkjZQ1L
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) July 29, 2022
In an interview with the Inverse, Gaiman was asked if he would’ve cast David Bowie as Lucifer had he been alive. He responded-
“I wouldn’t have cast David Bowie as he was before he died, because the whole idea was that Lucifer is meant to look like a beautiful angel. I absolutely would have cast David Bowie if we had a time machine and a cloning device and we could have had David at any time between his 20th birthday and let’s say his 50th birthday, and I would have done the casting then.”
He further added that Bowie himself would have loved to see Gwendoline play the role of Lucifer.
“But, I suspect that David might well have been keen seeing Gwendoline play the part because he was somebody who was asked who he’d like to portray him in a biopic and his answer was Tilda Swinton. So he probably would have loved to have seen Gwendoline.”
The portrayal of female Lucifer also serves as a tribute to the innovative spirit of the original comic series. It embodies the essence of Gaiman’s narrative – a world where the conventional is often challenged and the unexpected is the norm. It’s a testament to the creator’s audacity to challenge the status quo and his knack for bringing a fresh perspective to age-old figures and tales.
