Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hiddleston (31) is a British actor known for his roles in films like “Thor”, “War Horse”, “The Deep Blue Sea”, “Midnight in Paris” and “The Avengers”. He will be seen in “Thor: The Dark World”.Reuters

After Neil Gaiman said in an earlier interview that Tom Hiddleston might play the titular role in "The Sandman," the social media erupted with reactions. However, now it seems that Gaiman was not serious about casting Hiddleston in the film. He took to Twitter to clarify his statement saying that it was a joke. "It's not true. It was a joke in an interview," he tweeted. The full tweet can be read below:

It's not true. It was a joke in an interview I'm afraid RT @PickleAM: Please oh please let it be true that @twhiddleston will play Morpheus!

— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) December 17, 2014

Gaiman, who is the author of the "The Sandman" comic book and is also the producer of the film, said that Hiddleston could potentially play the role. "Tom Hiddleston is still out there! And the truth is, as far as I'm concerned, anybody who sounds English with great cheekbones can probably pull it off."

He also said he would have liked to cast Johnny Depp in the role if he was younger. Gaiman went on to say that Benedict Cumberbatch also has the acting chops to play Morpheus.

"I think the first time I saw Benedict [Cumberbatch] was as Sherlock Holmes, I thought, 'wow, that's incredibly Morpheus'. And fans probably thought the same because they immediately started doing fan-art, meshing the two of them up," he told Radio Times.

Meanwhile, there is not much known about "The Sandman's" casting and plotline. Currently, the film is in its pre-production stage and Joseph Gordon-Levitt could direct the film. Meanwhile, as far as Hiddleston is concerned, he is yet to comment on the "The Sandman" rumours. The actor is already popular for playing Loki in "Thor." He will be reprising his role in "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron."

The actor will also be seen in the high-pitched drama "Crimson Peak." He will play Sir Thomas Sharpe. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film is set in 19th century England and tells the story of an author and her husband who is not what he appears to be. Hiddleston will also be seen in "High Rise" and "I Saw the Light."