Ian McShane Joins Neil Gaiman Adaptation American Gods

After overcoming various hurdles during development, Neil Gaiman’s celebrated fantasy tale is headed to the small screen. Starz’ TV adaptation of American Gods hails from Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller, who’s set to showrun and direct several episodes, and today brings word of the latest casting addition: Deadwood alum Ian McShane climbs aboard this epic series as the enigmatic Mr. Wednesday.

Gaiman’s sprawling novel takes place across America, following the adventures of ex-con Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) after he’s sprung from prison by a mysterious man. That figure is Mr. Wednesday, who enlists Moon into his world to help him in a battle between ancient and modern gods. Casting McShane in the role ought to appease fans of the novel, because let’s face it, he always delivers.

Here’s Gaiman’s enthusiastic response to the news:

“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. 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.”

While we’ve no firm details on when American Gods will debut, it’s expected that the show will drop sometime in 2017.