‘American Gods’ TV Series Premiere Date, Spoilers, Cast, and Characters: Ian Mcshane to Play As Mr. Wednesday

By Mark Aserit
Ian McShane
Golden Globe-winner Ian McShane plays Mr. Wednesday in American Gods TV adaptation

Deadwood star Ian McShane set to play a major role in Starz's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's "American Gods." Many fans applauded the casting of McShane, saying that the actor is perfect to portray Mr. Wednesday.  Author Neil Gaiman also praised the selection.

The plot of American Gods centers around Shadow Moon, an ex-convict who agrees to work with an eccentric stranger called Mr. Wednesday. The two of them embark on a road trip across America.  On their journey, they meet the old gods of ancient mythology, and the new gods of money, media and technology.

Variety reported that the production of the new Starz series begins in April in Toronto. Bryan Fuller and Michael Green -- who worked with McShane on critically acclaimed Kings - are the producers and showrunners of the American Gods TV adaptation. It is also reported that Gaiman will write several episodes of the show.

The writer commended the casting of McShane as Mr. Wednesday. "I've seen a hundred names suggested, but few make me grin like Ian McShane does," he told in IGN.

McShane recently appeared on Showtime's crime-drama series Ray Donovan. The 73-year old actor will also appear in  Game of Thrones  Season 6 and and Dr. Thorne as well as in John Wick: Chapter 2, The Hollow Point and Bolden. He previously earned a Golden Globe nomination for his character in The Pillars of the Earth miniseries.

For his role in American Gods, McShane plays as a crafty and endlessly charismatic con -man. Mr. Wednesday is also full of perverse wisdom, curious magic and grand plans.

The upcoming TV series is produced by FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) for Starz. Fuller's frequent Hannibal helmer David Slade is set to direct the pilot and additional episodes. FMNA's Stefanie Berk and Craig Cegielski are executive producers of the show along with Fuller and Green. 

The same source from Variety said the show will be distributed worldwide. We'll bring you more updates about casting news soon, as the show moves towards its production start date.  

The upcoming Starz's American Gods is expected to premiere in late 2016, according to Screen Rant.

The American Gods novel was published in 2001. It is Gaiman's fourth prose novel, which is a unique combination of fantasy and satire to tell the modern day story of protagonist Shadow.

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