Dead Boy Detectives showrunner Steve Yockey breaks down the horror comedy’s move from Max to Netflix, adding that the sudden move allowed them to incorporate references to The Sandman. Both The Sandman and Dead Boy Detectives are based on Neil Gaiman’s respective comic books.
In an interview with TheWrap, Yockey revealed that they were deep into the production of Dead Boy Detective before the network switch occurred.
“What actually happened was, we were making the show at Max. There was some uncertainty there on when exactly they would be able to release the show, based on release windows and things that we aren’t privy to,” said Yockey. “And Netflix wanted the show, because they had ‘Sandman,’ and it takes place in the universe.”
He continued, “So Beth and I initially had plans to kind of build a show that took place in the ‘Sandman’ universe, which we did. But Warner Brothers [business affairs] kind of came to us and said, ‘Do not use any ‘Sandman’ IP or Netflix will come for you.’ And so we were like, ‘Great.’”
Unable to build a connection between the two series for legal reasons, the network switch did allow him to create a shared Dead Boy Detective and The Sandman universe.
“They were like, ‘We love everything you’re doing. But wouldn’t it be great if you had some Easter eggs and some crossover with ‘Sandman?’” Yockey added. “And we were like, ‘What a great idea! That would be super.’ And so we asked for three or four things, and we got all the things that we asked for. And Neil and Allan [Heinberg] were incredibly supportive from the ‘Sandman’ side.”
Who stars in Dead Boy Detectives?
The upcoming series stars George Rexstrew as Edwin Paine, Jayden Revri as Charles Rowland, Kassius Nelson as Crystal Palace, Yuyu Kitamura as Niko, Jenn Lyon as Esther, Briana Cuoco as Jenny the Butcher, and Ruth Connell as the Night Nurse. Other cast members include Lukas Gage, Michael Beach, Joshua Colley, Lindsey Gort, Max Jenkins, and David Iacono.
All eight episodes of Dead Boy Detectives will be available for streaming on April 25.
