The Sandman

Representation / casting choices

Multiple lead roles feature race, gender, and non-binary casting (Black Death, non-binary Desire actor, female Lucifer, trans Wanda actor, gender-swapped Constantine) that creators and marketing framed as inclusive updates; highly visible and debated by audiences.

Political / ideological dialogue

Occasional fantasy discussions of power, freedom, and dreams touch on social ideas, but no sustained modern political lectures or partisan messaging.

Identity-driven story themes

Queer non-binary Endless and trans character arcs (Wanda's identity struggles and discrimination) form noticeable threads, especially in Season 2; comics' 1990s progressive elements carried forward and highlighted.

Institutional / cultural critique

Some critique of hell, religion, and past power abuses; Season 2 subtly frames Dream's history through accountability lenses some viewers read as anti-macho, but remains secondary to mythic storytelling.