The Sandman Season 2: Thor’s Depiction Misses the Mark – Here’s Why!

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🚨 CAUTION: This article delves into significant details of The Sandman Season 2. To avoid spoilers, make sure you’ve watched the second season on Netflix if you haven’t already. Good luck, and may the Endless be kind to those who are still catching up!

It’s true, I have to admit that I barely remembered anything from Season 1 of The Sandman when it came back on Netflix after what felt like an eternity (though it was really three years). Fortunately, I found myself really enjoying the newest episodes of this DC TV series, with only one minor exception.

In the second season of “The Sandman,” Lawrence O’Fuarain, a former star of “Game of Thrones,” takes on the role of Thor, the Norse god, who along with many others, enters Dream’s (Tom Sturridge) domain in pursuit of the key to Hell. My initial enthusiasm for this series’ portrayal of a character I typically link to another comic book publisher’s cinematic adaptations soon waned, unfortunately.

It’s possible that my lack of familiarity with the original comics is a factor, but ultimately, I didn’t find it particularly compelling in the end. Let me elaborate.

This Thor Is Not Worthy

In the initial phase of Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his character was, without a doubt, arrogant and conceited. Yet, there was an appealing swagger about him that made him endearing and likable. On the other hand, O’Fuarain’s portrayal seemed more like a pitiful jerk who seemed to court conflict, and left me questioning his worthiness to wield Mjolnir. This is not to criticize the Irish actor in any way, but the characterization felt more like an annoying douchebag rather than a godly figure.

Initially, I formed my views after watching and later found out that the portrayal of Thor aligns with Neil Gaiman’s interpretation from the original Sandman comics. If this version resonates with long-time fans, I’m genuinely pleased for them.

Although the adaptation may have stayed true to the original, I didn’t enjoy how the character was portrayed as a misogynistic, ill-tempered person with limited intelligence, particularly in his crude comparison of Mjolnir to his own self when flirting with Merkin (Olamide Candide-Johnson). In my opinion, this aspect of the season fell short and was one of its less compelling elements.

I’d Say The Sandman Nails Loki And Odin, Though

Apart from Thor, other divine characters Marvel enthusiasts might recognize in The Sandman Season 2 include his father, Odin (played by Clive Russell), and his adoptive brother, Loki (Freddie Fox, known for his role as Ser Gwayne Hightower on House of the Dragon within the Game of Thrones universe).

In my opinion, Fox brilliantly embodies Loki’s tricky, malevolent character that Tom Hiddleston plays so exceptionally in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In a different reality or perhaps another part of the Marvel Multiverse, I could envision him taking on this iconic role. Moreover, I was greatly impressed by Russell’s interpretation of Odin, and the “steampunk” design of his character that differs from Sir Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal in traditional warrior attire, yet it harmonizes beautifully with the show’s unique aesthetic.

I’m curious if we’ll encounter any more extraordinary characters when Netflix’s movie and TV lineup for the second volume of episodes this year is revealed. Regardless, I’m excited to watch Dream’s fight against Boyd Holbrook as the Corinthian, a living nightmare, so you can be sure I’ll stream The Sandman on Netflix once it returns.

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2025-07-17 01:08