As Warner Brothers continues to push forward with their plans for the DC Universe on the big screen, many people have been wondering how some of their upcoming Vertigo comic book adaptations might fit into the mix. With a few slots on the WB release calendar currently occupied by unknown films, there has been speculation that the Sandman movie or Justice League Dark project could be closer to release than we think. This week, however, Sandman appears to be experiencing a pretty major setback as it has just lost its producer and potential director, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. JGL announced his departure via Facebook over the weekend:

“Recently, as you also might know if you like to follow these sorts of things, the sorta ‘ownership’ (for lack of a better term) of the Sandman material changed hands when Warner Brothers shifted the entire catalogue of Vertigo comics (an imprint of DC) to their subsidiary, New Line. And a few months ago, I came to realize that the folks at New Line and I just don’t see eye to eye on what makes Sandman special, and what a film adaptation could/should be. So unfortunately, I decided to remove myself from the project. I wish nothing but the best for the team moving forward.

I’d like to thank all the great people I’ve had the opportunity to work with on this one. I’ve had a blast with and learned a ton from David and Jack. Niija Kuykendall, Greg Silverman, and everyone at Warner Brothers have been fantastic, as have Geoff Johns and everyone at DC. And it’s been a particular privilege as well as a rocking good time getting to know Mr. Gaiman, whose generous insights and masterful work have certainly convinced me that the Lord of Dreams and the Prince of Stories are one and the same Endless pattern.”

The previous version of the script was being worked on by Jack Thorne (How I Live Now, A Long Way Down) based on a treatment by David S. Goyer. THR has since reported that Eric Heisserer (The Thing, Final Destination 5) will take over screenwriting duties. It is unclear if his horror background is an indication of the direction this movie will be taking, but at the moment it seems like a safe assumption. What do you think, is this good or bad news for the Sandman movie?