Much loved British actor Ian McShane has scored himself one of the key roles in the forthcoming Starz adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s ‘American Gods’.
The actor who has carved a niche for himself in the American market in shows such as Deadwood as well as film appearances is to play Mr. Wednesday in the series.
‘American Gods’, which is being executive produced by Bryan Fuller and Michael Green, follows a lonely ex-con named Shadow (played by The 100‘s Ricky Whittle) who takes a job as a bodyguard for the mysterious Mr. Wednesday. As the two men travel the United States, Shadow becomes aware that a war is imminent between the country’s old gods (think: ancient mythology) and its new ones (think: modern technology) — and that his part in the proceedings has been predestined. And Mr. Wednesday? He’s one of the old gods.
“When you write a beloved character like Mr. Wednesday, you get to watch the Internet trying to cast the role,” Gaiman said in a statement. “I’ve seen a hundred names suggested, but few make me grin like Ian McShane does… Yesterday was Super Tuesday. Today is Wonderful Wednesday.”
Added Fuller and 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.”
(Via TV Line)
