Starz’s “American Gods” has added Ian McShane in the pivotal role of Mr. Wednesday, TheWrap has learned.
Bryan Fuller and Michael Green are writing and executing producing the adaptation, which is based on Neil Gaiman‘s novel of the same name.
Filming begins in April, with Ricky Whittle in the lead role of Shadow Moon.
“American Gods” portrays a war between the old gods of biblical and mythological roots and a new group of gods “reflecting society’s modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs.”
Mr. Wednesday is described as a crafty and endlessly charismatic con man, full of perverse wisdom, curious magic and grand plans. He hires ex-con Shadow Moon to be his bodyguard as he journeys across America, using his charms to recruit others like him as he prepares for the ultimate battle for power.
“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,” said Gaiman in a statement. “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.’ Yesterday was Super Tuesday. Today is Wonderful Wednesday.”
McShane is best known for his role on HBO’s “Deadwood” and will next be seen on the network’s sixth season of “Game of Thrones.” He is represented by Independent Talent Group, Gallant Management, ICM and Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern.