The book-to-TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods has cast Ian McShane (Ray Donovan, Pirates of the Carribean) in the lead role of Mr. Wednesday.
Filming on American Gods is set to begin in April. McShane joins Ricky Whittle, who was cast previously as Shadow Moon.
“Mr. Wednesday is a crafty and endlessly charismatic con man, full of perverse wisdom, curious magic, and grand plans,” writes Starz. “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.”
Said Neil Gaiman about today’s announcement, “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. Yesterday was Super Tuesday. Today is Wonderful Wednesday.”
Added showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green, “Actor. Icon. And now god. 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.”
You’ll be able to see McShane in action next on Game of Thrones season 6, which hits screens on April 24. His role may still be a mystery, but speculation is rampant amongst fans as to who he might be playing.
Curious about the American Gods book? Grab it here on Amazon.
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