Why did the American Gods publisher cancel Neil Gaiman's future works? Details revealed

Content Warning: This article deals description of alleged crimes committed by American Gods and Sandman Author Neil Gaiman. Reader discretion is advised.

On January 24, 2025, Dark Horse Comics revealed through a post on X (formerly referred to as Twitter) that it was canceling the comic adaptation of Anansi Boys. Furthermore, the publisher also revealed that going forward, the publisher won't be publishing any of author Neil Gaiman's works. This was in response to accusations against the 64-year-old British author.

The author, while not responding to this move, did respond to the January 13, 2025, New York Magazine cover story titled "There Is No Safe Word How the Best-selling Fantasy Author Neil Gaiman Hid the darkest parts of Himself for decades." On January 14, 2025, Gaiman wrote this on his personal blog:

“I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”

Since then, he hasn't written anything on his blog. These allegations have soured fans on his work.

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Why have fans soured on American Gods and other Niel Gaiman works?

In July 2024, Tortoise Media released a seven-episode-long podcast series titled "Master: the Allegations against Neil Gaiman." In that podcast series, two people, a fan and a former nanny, alleged Gaiman of inappropriate behavior. This slowly turned public opinion against the Good Omens and American Gods author, who until then was popular with people for his progressive ideas.

While there were some whispers, the mainstream media was still quiet about the allegations against the Sandman author. That was the case until the January 13, 2025, New York Magazine story, which ultimately tainted the American Gods and Coraline author's literary legacy. But this time, even the studios and publishers took notice and decided to act.

Netflix announced that Sandman will conclude with season 2, and Good Omens will wrap up its story with a single 90-minute episode instead of a third season without American Gods author Neil Gaiman's participation in any capacity. However, one of the major announcements came on Friday, January 24, 2025, as comic book publisher Dark Horse Comics posed on X (previously Twitter):

"Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works. Confirming that the Anansi Boys comic series and collected volume have been cancelled."

A comic book adaptation of Gaiman's 2005 book Anansi Boys was announced back in February 2024, with Marc Bernardin's involvement. However, it was ultimately canceled in response to the American Gods author's several allegations. The comic book version of Anansi Boys wasn't the only Niel Gaiman adaptation that was canceled.

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What is the status of the different Neil Gaiman adaptations?

Here is the status of the different adaptations of American Gods author Neil Gaiman's stories:

• Anansi Boys (Unconfirmed)

In addition to a comic adaptation, a series was also on works to be streamed on Prime Video. The status of the six-episode Anansi Boys series is yet unconfirmed as it supposedly had a troubled production since even before the allegations against Gamaian were made public. The series would've starred Malachi Kirby as Charlie Nancy/Spider and Whoopi Goldberg as Bird Woman.

There is no release date for the series despite the wrapping of principal photography in May 2022.

• Dead Boy Detectives (Cancelled)

The first season of Dead Boy Detectives streamed on Netflix in April 2024. The reason behind this cancellation wasn't revealed, but the Variety report did cite the weak streaming numbers.

• The Graveyard Book (Movie adaptation on hold)

Disney was working on Gaiman’s 2008 book, The Graveyard Book. A September 2024 IndieWire report stated that Disney paused the work on this movie indefinitely. It cited multiple reasons, including the allegation as the cause behind this decision.

• Sandman Season 2 (Will conclude with the second season)

In January 2025, it was confirmed that the second season of Sandman was always intended to be the last one, according to showrunner Allan Heinberg. He released a statement reading:

“‘The Sandman’ series has always been focused exclusively on Dream’s story, and back in 2022, when we looked at the remaining Dream material from the comics, we knew we only had enough story for one more season. We are extremely grateful to Netflix for bringing the team all back together and giving us the time and resources to make a faithful adaptation in a way that we hope will surprise and delight the comics’ loyal readers as well as fans of our show.”

• Good Omens season 3 (A single episode)

While the production on Good Omens season 3 initially paused, it was later confirmed that instead of a six-episode season, the entire storyline will be concluded with one 90-minute episode. Furthermore, it was also confirmed that Gaiman won't be involved in this in any way.

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