Starz Series American Gods Lands Ian McShane as Mr. Wednesday
Carissa Pavlica
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Neil Gaiman's American Gods is coming alive at Starz.
Ian McShane will be Mr. Wednesday, one of the gods referred to in the title, a crafty and charismatic fellow who hires protagonist Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) after a stint in prison as his body guard and travel partner.
“Yesterday was Super Tuesday. Today is Wonderful Wednesday,” Neil Gaiman said today in response to the casting.
“Actor. Icon. And now god,” said co-showrunners and writers Bryan Fuller and Michael Green.
“It is a goddamn delight to be collaborating with the incomparable Ian McShane — again and for the first time — on a story about faith and belief, with the utmost faith and belief in Mr. McShane as our Mr. Wednesday. A wonderful Wednesday indeed.”
“When you write a beloved character (beloved with, or despite, or because of all his faults) like Mr. Wednesday, you get to watch the internet trying to cast the role,” Gaiman added.
“I’ve seen a hundred names suggested, but few make me grin like Ian McShane does. 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.”
Production on American Gods begins in April, at about the same time you can expect to see McShane tackle another role on HBO's Game of Thrones.
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
