'American Gods' News & Updates: Ian McShane Takes on Lead Role in Film Adaptation of Neil Gaiman Novel

Ian McShane has signed on to take the lead role of Mr. Wednesday in Neil Gaiman's fantasy novel, "American Gods." The book will have a series adaptation under Starz and Gaiman himself will pen multiple episodes of the adaptation.

According to Hollywood Reporter, "American Gods" surrounds a battle between old and new gods where the traditional gods of the old world are overpowered by rising younger deities who thrive with people's worship of worldly things like money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs. McShane, who starred in "Deadwood," "American Horror Story" and "Game of Thrones," will portray the character of Mr. Wednesday, a powerful and charismatic old deity who aims to find other forgotten gods and make them part of an epic war against the new American gods.

According to Screenrant, the first casting news came when Ricky Whittle (The 100) signed with Starz to take on the role of Shadow Moon, the show's protagonist. Shadow's story starts when his wife had a terrible accident just days before he was due to go out from prison.

To complicate things, she was with his best friend whom she was having an illicit affair with. Later on, he becomes a bodyguard of Mr. Wednesday, travelling with him across America to gather forces and wage a battle against the new emerging gods.

The Hollywood Reporter also noted Gaiman's take on the casting. "I've seen hundred names, suggested but few make me grin like Ian Mcshane does," he was quoted saying.

"I've already been lucky enough to have him in one film (he was bright blue in it, animated, and probably Polish). Now I count myself even luckier: he's made the journey from 'Lovejoy' to 'American Gods'. Yesterday was Super Tuesday. Today is Wonderful Wednesday," Gaiman continued.

Film production will commence in April with Bryan Fuller (Hannibal) and Michael Green (The River) writing the script and producing the show. On the other hand, David Slade will direct the pilot and additional episodes with Gaiman helping him with the others. Starz's "American Gods" release date is set for later this year.

Know the basics of Neil Gaiman's novel "American Gods" by watching the video below: