Why Vivienne Acheampong’s Role in ‘The Sandman’ Meant More Than You Think

Things didn’t turn out in the best way possible for Tom Sturridge’s Dream in The Sandman’s season 2 finale, but he wasn’t the only one who suffered from a major change.

Based on Neil Gaiman’s comic book series of the same name, Netflix’s show has spent two seasons following Dream aka Morpheus through his own ups and downs while remaining the ruler of the Dreaming.

As the series progressed and Dream became more open to the idea of finding an heir for his realm before he’s punished for his deeds, The Sandman started giving signs all the way more obscure about the character’s fate.

However, Dream’s disappearance still felt like a burden for many even under Daniel’s rule — including for the previous Dream’s long-standing ally portrayed by Vivienne Acheampong.

Vivienne Acheampong Plays Lucienne in ‘The Sandman’

In both the comic book series and its TV adaptation, Lucienne is the librarian of The Dreaming where she’s responsible for an enormous collection of dreams and imagined books.

Though she’s initially hired by Dream to manage the library only, soon she becomes his trusted advisor and one of the closest allies, eventually turning into his right-hand in many more aspects as she proceeds to give him support and advice in his own managing of the Dreaming.

Considering the nature of their relationships, it’s pretty easy to guess why Lucienne was deeply affected by Dream’s disappearance and later death, even though in the end she kept her position with the Dreaming’s new master, Daniel.

Just like Matthew the raven, Lucienne spent some time adjusting to the major change in the realm before she finally came to terms with the new Dream and started helping the latter navigate through challenges of his new job.

Vivienne Acheampong Thinks Sacred Bond Between Dream and Lucienne Is Deeper Than It Seems

Even though the two still kept their relationship pretty formal till the very end and Dream’s eventual demise, the actress still felt like the characters had a deeper connection due to all the years they spent working together.

“She understands why he is like that, because he's got everyone's dreams and thoughts and feelings inside him. So he needs those rules and regulations to preserve himself. She understands that, and she respects it because she loves the Dreaming and what it stands for”, Acheampong revealed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly upon the first season’s release back in 2022.

The actress also added that Lucienne is a symbol of stability for Dream who was irreversibly changed after he was captured, so her presence was what served him as a reminder about his better times in the Dreaming.

“So one of the things that I wanted to capture is that she's a gentle reminder for him of who he is, because he's been so hardened by that brutal experience”, she said.