Sandman
Sandman, aka Dream aka Morpheus, as depicted in Neil Gaiman's comic series Vertigo Comics

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is no longer a part of the Sandman movie. The actor, who was all set to star in and direct the movie adaptation of the popular DC comic, recently announced his departure from the project citing creative differences. Neil Gaiman, who wrote the original comics, responded to the latest update on Twitter.

"For the record, my respect for [Joseph Gordon-Levitt], is undiminished," he wrote. "Getting to know him was the best bit of the last round. He's special." In response, Gordon-Levitt thanked Gaiman, writing, "I sincerely hope we find another way to collaborate sooner than later."

The actor wrote in a statement posted to his Facebook page on Saturday (5 March) that he left the project over creative differences with New Line, the Warner Bros division where the film is set up.

"A few months ago, I came to realize that the folks at New Line and I just don't see eye to eye on what makes Sandman special, and what a film adaptation could/should be," Gordon-Levitt said. "So unfortunately, I decided to remove myself from the project. I wish nothing but the best for the team moving forward."

Sandman, the tale of Morpheus — the lord of dreams, is still in development at New Line with screenwriter Eric Heisserer (A Nightmare On Elm Street, Hours) penning a new draft.

More on Sandman