This is the kind of news that’s just fun to report for a variety of reasons. Comic book fans may be aware that one DC (or rather Vertigo) movie project that’s never seemed to have much forward movement is SANDMAN, made famous by writer Neil Gaiman. It looks like now that’s about to change. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who proved this year he’s as competent a director as he is an actor with DON JON, has been confirmed to produce a SANDMAN movie… leaving many to wonder if he’s also being considered as a director, or leading actor, or both. Deadline reported the producer connection, though Badass Digest was the first site to report a possible JGL/SANDMAN connection a month ago, thanks to David Goyer pitching a concept to Warner Bros. for a film adaptation.

Here’s JGL’s Tweet making sure folks know (as of right now) he’s just a producer:

Just to clarify, folks. I've signed on as a producer on Sandman. The rest remains to be seen. Delighted you guys are excited. I am too!

— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) December 17, 2013

And here’s another Tweet confirming the deal, but also suggesting the idea that the movie may be the first Sandman comic story arc titled “Preludes and Nocturnes” when collected together, at least the last part of the Tweet could be interpreted that way:

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm incredibly honored to be working with David Goyer, Warner Bros, and @neilhimself on SANDMAN. #Prelude

— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) December 17, 2013

SlashFilm noted the collection features a story called “24 Hours” in which a madman uses Dream’s power to influence people trapped in a diner… they also note (correctly, I’ve read it) it was one of the more horrifying issues in the comic series. I for one am glad to see Neil Gaiman’s name being included in JGL’s Tweet, as sometimes comic book creators are easily pushed aside when movies are made of their character. Gaiman is someone who should definitely be involved here. Are you excited about a SANDMAN movie? Would you like to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt as more than just a producer in the film? Tell us in the comments.

And as if that wasn’t enough cool JGL news, the talented actor has also been announced as a voice in the Disney’s English language dub of Hayao Miyazaki‘s final animated film THE WIND RISES. He’ll provide the voice of Jiro Horikoshi, an engineer who spends his whole life building planes only to realize he can’t fix everything (thanks to SlashFilm for this note). Gordon-Levitt joins his LOOPER co-star Emily Blunt and her husband John Krasinski, along with names like Martin Short, Stanley Tucci, Mandy Patinkin, William H. Macy, Werner Herzog, Mae Whitman, Jennifer Grey, Darren Criss, Elijah Wood and Ronan Farrow. That’s a rather impressive voice cast for any animated film, but should be a great way to say goodbye to the work of Miyazaki. Are you excited about THE WIND RISES? If not you should be.

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