Author Neil Gaiman has spoken out after actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt announced he’d departed the long-in-development adaptation of his book Sandman. Levitt announced his departure on Saturday, saying that he had come to realise that he and New Line didn't see eye to eye on the direction of the film.

Neil GaimanAuthor Neil Gaiman has spoken about Joseph Gordon-Levitt exiting the Sandman movie.

After retweeting Levitt’s original message, Gaiman wrote: ‘For the record, my respect for @hitRECordJoe, is undiminished. Getting to know him was the best bit of the last round. He's special.’

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‘I would love to work with @hitRECordJoe some more. He's smart, honest & really nice,’ the author added. ‘Reminder for the curious: I don't own SANDMAN. @DCComics does. I don't choose who writes scripts, the director, producer or cast.’

Levitt announced his departure from the project, which he joined in 2013, in a Facebook post explaining his decision. ‘A few months ago, I came to realise 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,’ the actor wrote.

‘So unfortunately, I decided to remove myself from the project. I wish nothing but the best for the team moving forward."

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"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.’