Marilyn Manson Joins Season Three of American Gods

The American Gods have spoken: Marilyn Manson will join the Starz drama for Season Three.

Manson’s previous TV roles include motorcycle drama Sons of Anarchy, but now he’s taking a divergent road towards the divine. Deadline reports that Mason will play Johan Wengren, ancient berserker and lead singer of a Viking death metal band fittingly named Blood Death. Wengren and Blood Death serve as a power source for Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) in his war with the New Gods.

“As a long-time admirer of [Mason’s] estimable talent as an author, artist, musician and actor, it is dope indeed to be working with Mr. Manson in Season Three,” Gods showrunner Chic Eglee told Deadline, adding Manson will bring “his specific energy, wit and boundless enthusiasm for all things Neil Gaiman” to the show. Gaiman is the author of the 2001 novel of the same name that serves as a basis for the show, and he also serves as an executive producer.

The third season of American Gods is set to debut sometime next year, with Manson’s character appearing in four episodes. He joins ensemble cast members Ricky Whittle, Emily Browning, Pablo Schreiber, Bruce Langley, McShane and Yetide Badaki. Whittle and McShane sat down with Paste back in 2017 to talk about their characters.

The addition of Manson to the cast follows a shuffling of showrunners. Bryan Fuller and Micheal Green were the initial creators of the show, but left after the first season due to creative and budget issues. Jesse Alexander was brought in for Season Two and has since been replaced by Eglee.