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Audible and DC announce the first-ever audio production of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman, written by Neil Gaiman
MUMBAI – Audible Inc., the world’s largest producer and provider of spoken-word entertainment and audiobooks, today announced that New York Times best-selling comic book series, The Sandman, written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC, will be produced in audio for the first time, adapted and directed by Dirk Maggs. The first installment of The Sandman, a multi-part Audible Original audio drama series, is set for release on Audible, Summer 2020.
Audible’s exclusive audio adaptation will bring The Sandman’s epic, metaphysical fantasy to life in meticulously sound-designed, richly immersive audio. When an occultist attempts to capture the physical embodiment of Death in a bargain for eternal life, he instead mistakenly traps Death’s younger brother Morpheus, the King of Dreams. After his seventy-year imprisonment and eventual escape, Morpheus goes on a quest to reclaim his lost objects of power and rebuild his realm. From there, one of greatest and most successful series of graphic novels ever written begins. Celebrated globally for its vibrant blend of modern myth and dark fantasy – which seamlessly interweaves contemporary fiction, historical drama and legend – The Sandman follows Morpheus, and the people and places he’s affected, as he tries to mend the cosmic and human mistakes he’s made during his Endless existence.
Neil Gaiman is intimately involved with Audible’s new, multi-cast audio drama serving as Creative Director, Executive Producer and Narrator for The Sandman. Gaiman’s long-time audio collaborator, multi-award winner Dirk Maggs serves alongside as the project’s Executive Producer as well as Scriptwriter and Director. Dirk Maggs is best-known for his adaptations of Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, Stardust, Good Omens, Anansi Boys, and Audible Originals Alien: River Of Pain and X-Files, as well as DC audio productions The Trial of Superman, Superman: To Doomsday & Beyond and Batman: Knightfall. The project also features an original score by British Academy Award winning composer and musician James Hannigan.
“Almost 30 years ago, Dirk Maggs approached DC about adapting The Sandman into audio form. It didn't happen (although it was how Dirk and I first crossed paths) and I'm glad it didn't happen, because we are in a Golden Age of audio drama right now, and Dirk and I are much better at what we are doing,” said Neil Gaiman. He continued, “This is a rich audio adaptation of The Sandman Graphic Novels, brilliantly crafted by Dirk Maggs, with an all-star cast. I've loved being there to talk casting, there to read the scripts and offer occasional advice, and there in the studios, watching magic get made and recording the narration. I can't wait until the world hears what we've done.”
Audible Originals editor-in-chief Dave Blum of commented “Audible prides itself on creating and producing immersive and entertaining storytelling, and the exclusive audio production of Neil Gaiman’s legendary comic book series marks a thrilling addition to our original content offerings. We’re excited to join Neil and DC in bringing this extraordinary and beloved universe to Audible’s millions of listeners worldwide, for the very first time.”
"This audio iteration of The Sandman is huge in scope and ambition and based exclusively on Neil's original notes and scripts for his iconic DC series. Our production dives deep into Neil's imagination, as if he is writing these tales beside us, lifting out details and story elements few have been privy to until now,” shared Dirk Maggs. “Audio uniquely complements the comic book artists' visual imagination and Neil's creative brilliance, while our amazing cast and Jim Hannigan's music add new emotional punch. This project's three-decade incubation period has been worth every minute of the wait. It's the very essence of Neil Gaiman's Sandman."
Audible UK senior director of original content Steve Carsey said, “Of all the great comics and graphic novels I devoured throughout my teenage and early-adulthood, The Sandman has been by far the most influential and inspirational. It is a masterpiece. It instilled in me an appreciation of storytelling when I was younger. Now that I'm older the human condition feels even more fragile, complex and important through Neil's imagination. This epic adaptation – and the chance to work with Neil himself – has been an honour.”
The Sandman is the latest in a series of best-in-class Audible Original audio dramas released by Audible in the recent months. Other highlights include Heads Will Roll, starring Kate McKinnon, Emily Lynne, and featuring Meryl Streep and Peter Dinklage; The X Files, starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny; Stan Lee's Alliances: A Trick of Light, starring Yara Shahidi; and Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Musical Drama, starring Michael Sheen, Taron Egerton and Theo James.
The Sandman will be available to download exclusively on Audible, Summer 2020 in English and will subsequently be released in French, German, Italian, and Spanish editions.
Brands
Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down after 15 years, John Ternus to take over
Leadership shake-up sees long-time hardware chief step up from September
CUPERTINO: Apple has confirmed that chief executive officer Tim Cook will step down from his role and transition to executive chairman, with senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus set to take over as CEO from September 1, 2026.
The transition, approved unanimously by the board, marks a carefully planned leadership shift at one of the world’s most valuable companies. Cook will remain CEO through the summer, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover before moving into his new role, where he will continue to support Apple and engage with policymakers globally.
In a memo to employees, Apple CEO Tim Cook reflected on his 15-year tenure, recalling the moment Steve Jobs asked him to step into the role. “It was an emotional and challenging moment for all of us at Apple,” he wrote, adding that the company’s core values, from simplicity and innovation to a commitment to improving lives, remain unchanged.
Explaining his decision, Cook said the company’s strong roadmap and future outlook made this the right time for a transition. “I have never been more optimistic about Apple’s future,” he noted, while announcing Ternus as his successor. He described Ternus as “a visionary in his own right” with “remarkable integrity” and the right leader to guide Apple into its next phase.
Cook said, “John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honour.”
Ternus, in his own note to employees, struck a steady, execution-focused tone. Ternus said, “It has been such a privilege to lead the hardware engineering team… I still plan to be very hands-on,” signalling continuity rather than a strategic reset.
As part of the leadership reshuffle, Ternus will step away from leading hardware engineering, with Tom Marieb taking over the role. Marieb will report to Johny Srouji, who assumes an expanded position as chief hardware officer, aligning hardware development more closely with Apple’s silicon and technology teams.
Cook also used his memo to thank employees, calling them “the most remarkable people in the world” and crediting them for building Apple into what it is today. A town hall has been scheduled at the Steve Jobs Theater to discuss the transition further.
The leadership change also sees Arthur Levinson move to the role of lead independent director, while Ternus joins Apple’s board.
Cook’s tenure has been defined by massive growth and expansion, with Apple’s market value rising from around $350 billion in 2011 to $4 trillion, alongside the launch of new product categories and a booming services business. Ternus, a 25-year Apple veteran, has played a central role in shaping the company’s hardware roadmap, from iPhone and Mac to newer innovations in materials and sustainability.
The transition signals a generational shift, but not a dramatic change in direction. If anything, both memos point to continuity, discipline and a belief that Apple’s next chapter will be built on the same values that shaped its last.
