Starz American Gods Adaptation Casts Ian McShane In Key Role

The legendary Ian McShane, who is slated to appear in the upcoming sixth season of Games of Thrones, will star in Starz adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, Deadline has confirmed.

The former Deadwood and Lovejoy star will play opposite Ricky Whittle as Mr. Wednesday, a man who is both not who or what he seems, in addition to serving as the cross-country traveling partner to Whittle’s ex-con Moon.

Author Neil Gaiman spoke about McShane’s series boarding on Wednesday, acknowledging his excitement about the casting 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,” Gaiman said. “I’ve seen a hundred names suggested, but few make me grin like Ian McShane does.”

Gaiman’s Americana and fantasy story centers on a war between traditional deities born of mythological roots and a new race of gods, who reflect modern society interests such as technology and money. As believers move from one ideology to another, Moon finds himself on a path with the mysterious Mr. Wednesday in an effort to gather forces and battle against the new gods.

“Actor. Icon. And now god,” said showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green after the announcement had been made. “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.”