Eric Heisserer has been hired to write the script for New Line’s “The Sandman,” with Joseph Gordon-Levitt directing and starring.

The project was set up at Warner Bros. in 2013 with Gordon-Levitt coming aboard to produce with “The Dark Knight” screenwriter David Goyer for an adaptation of the DC Comics title. At the time, Gordon-Levitt had made his feature directorial debut on “Don Jon” and was eyeing the project as a possible directing and starring vehicle.

“The Sandman” was published by DC Comics for 75 issues between 1989 and 1996. It centers on the character Dream, also known as the Lord of Dreams, Morpheus, Oneiros, the Shaper, the Shaper of Form, Lord of the Dreaming, the Dream King, Dream-Sneak, Dream Cat, Murphy, Kai’ckul and Lord L’Zoril.

At the start of the series, the Morpheus character was captured and held prisoner for 70 years before escaping into the modern day and rebuilding his kingdom, which has fallen into disrepair.

Walter Hamada and Dave Neustadter are overseeing for New Line.

In addition to working with brothers Chad and Carey Hayes on New Line’s “The Conjuring 2,” Heisserer’s writing credits include “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Final Destination 5,” “Lights Out” and “The Story of Your Life,” starring Amy Adams with Denis Villeneuve directing.

Gordon-Levitt starred in “The Walk” and “The Night Before” last year and will be seen next opposite Shailene Woodley in Oliver Stone’s “Snowden” for Open Road.

Heiserrer is repped by WME, Art/Work Entertainment, and Jackoway Tyerman. The news was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter.