Sandman’s adaptation to Netflix surprises fans by changing the references to the history of Superman and rewriting Wanda
The change of trans contacts on television
In the comics, Wanda Mann was born and raised in Kansas, like a certain iconic Kryptonian. His love for superheroes was an essential part of his construction as a character, to the point of declaring that his favorite was Hypeter – a clear wink for Superman – and also dreams with The Weirdzo, a parodic version of the bizarre. But no trace of this tribute on the screen: Netflix has canceled these references, opting for another way.
The course change was not a coincidence. In its time, the DC comics have already set limits so that the large titans of the DC universe were not used in the seal. Therefore, neither in the comic nor in the series, Superman, Lois Lane nor the bizarre appear directly. Now, Netflix goes further and decides not to adapt A game of youThe arch in which Wanda shone with her own light, in favor of a very different version of the character.
Wanda in the series, played by Indya Moore, changes until the surname: Mansing replaces Mann and the reference to comics is replaced by a new obsession: Now his passion is the Oz saga, in particular the character of Tip/Ozma, who also represents a very powerful and strange journey in popular culture. This decision connects to new sensitivity, but also leaves orphans who hoped to see Wanda defend her love for comics on the screen.
What does the new version of the character for the trans representation implies?
Not only has his personal history have been changed: Wanda does not even take the same place in the plot. In the original, he was a friend of Barbie and co -star of a journey between the dream and the staff. In Netflix, he takes on the role of driver in Dream and Delirio’s Trip, a role assumed by Ruby Delonge, a secondary character of Short lives. Therefore, the series chooses to reinvent Wanda’s presence, keeping it visible but altering its emotional impact.
One of the most remembered moments of Wanda in the comic is his funeral, in which Barbie leaves a Hyperman comic in his tomb and, in an act of love and rebellion, writes his real name with Rossetti on the plaque. Netflix’s adaptation changes it completely: now it is the dream that goes to burial and who leaves the favorite novel of the Wanda tomb, The wonderful land of OzIn addition to using his magic to correct the plaque and eliminate any trace of his dead name. A gesture full of symbolism that has moved a large part of the fandom.
These changes are not exempt from the debate. On the one hand, there are those who celebrate the updating of the contacts –Oz As a trans and queer symbol – and sensitivity when it comes to issues such as Deadname. On the other hand, many fans feel nostalgia for the original Wanda, the proud geek of their comics, and see in this decision an opportunity lost to show a transnatous fan of superheroes on the screen.
Words of the author
Despite everything, Neil Gaiman publicly defended the choice of a more current and diversified approach, underlining the importance of keeping Wanda’s essence alive: A woman who challenges the rules and struggle to be recognized as it is. Indya Moore contributes to her interpretation a special sensitivity that connects with the new generations, showing that the magic of The sandman He is knowing how to transform himself without stopping.
The second season of The series In Netflix, an exciting debate opens on how to adapt the trans stories to new public and the role of cultural idols – from Superman to Ozma – in the construction of identity. Will there be other surprises in future episodes? Fans are already speculating and knowing Gaiman, surely the story still has many dreams to realize.
