The actor discusses bringing Lucienne to the screen and what she would look for in that magical library.
Weeks after release, Vivenne Acheampong’s Lucienne stands as a strong breakout performance.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What was your relationship toThe Sandmanbefore taking on the role?
Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne in Netflix’s ‘The Sandman.'.Laurence Cendrowicz/Netflix
VIVIENNE ACHEAMPONG:I had heard ofThe Sandman, but I wasn’t that familiar with the work.
So when I first auditioned, I was told that I was auditioning for Unity Kinkaid.
I loved it because I just love the whole concept of dreams.
Tom Sturridge as Morpheus in Netflix’s ‘The Sandman.'.Liam Daniel/Netflix
Dreams are something that I’ve really always been interested in.
Ineedto get this job."
I think “fiercely loyal” probably loyal to a fault.
There’s such a deep, unique, sacred bond between her and Morpheus.
He’s been captured and treated in the most inhumane way and has seen the worst of humanity.
She knows the essence of Dream and she understands the way he is.
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.
We all go to the Dreaming.
Sexuality and race don’t matter everyone dreams.
That’s where we can let loose our deepest fears and fantasies.
So she understands the importance of that and she understands why Dream is the way he is.
But when he comes back after he’s been captured, it’s altered him.
Speaking of Lucienne’s close relationship with Morpheus, what was it like working with Tom?
There are certain characters that are only in one episode, but Lucienne and Morpheus are always in contact.
(sarcastically)Oh, he’s a nightmare.
He’s so hard to work with.
And then, “oh God, what’s Tom like?”
I met him and he just flooded me with gorgeousness and I absolutely loved him.
Then we get on set and he’s Morpheus.
It was incredible because we built that bond so quickly.
It was a really safe space to just live in these characters.
He’s so generous as an actor, he gives you so much.
I think people can see that he’s absolutely mind-blowing in this role.
So working with him was just incredible because he’s so detailed in this character.
He just embodied Morpheus.
Everything that he does is so specific.
Every word that he says is just amazing.
Seems like Tom is a better colleague than Morpheus, maybe.
I wouldn’t want to comment!
What would you love to look for in Lucienne’s library?
I feel I’m a lot more selfish than you, then!
I’d look for my childhood.
So I think I’d probably look for something like that.
And then maybe something else, likeBeyonce’s process.
Let me see how you get those thighs to look like that, and where the music comes from.
He was definitely, always a presence there.
Lucienne’s pointy ears are subtle.
I didn’t notice them on the show until someone else pointed them out.
I loved the ears because they’re so subtle.
I wanted to keep them, so now I have a pair at home.
But what I did get from Neil was that he’s so fiercely supportive of us.
He was just like, “Trust yourself.
You got picked for this part for a reason.”
Thanks to Neil’s work, the characters are just so rich and everything is already there.
So as an actor, it’s like a complete dream.
Because it’s just there for you already.
And then you’ve got Allan Heinberg, who’s just adapted it beautifully.
We were guided, but also given absolute freedom to bring these characters to screen.
Did you have any particular favorite scenes to film in season 1?
And I was like, “He’s just so good,” because he’s this terrifying character.
He’s this nightmare.
He’s just awful.
But yet you love him and he’s got this charm.
And at the end, I really feel for him.
I’d love to do more scenes with the Corinthian because that was really thrilling to work with.
He’s a very exciting presence when you’re working with him.
What are you most excited about going forward with Lucienne, if the show gets renewed for season 2?
But I would just love to see all those siblings together, I think it would be incredible.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
