Gillian Anderson has been cast as Media in the Starz adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel American Gods.
Bryan Fuller and Michael Green are helming the project as both writers and showrunners, with David Slade directing the pilot and additional episodes. The casting of Anderson and Fuller’s involvement with the project marks a renioun of sorts; as the two previously collaborated on NBC’s Hannibal.
Anderson will be portraying the God of Media, serving as the public face and sales representative of the New Gods, taking the form of various iconic television characters, and celebrities. Media lives off the attention that various modes of technology receive, especially television interest.
American Gods itself is a war between the Old and the New Gods. The Old Gods are traditional, mythological entites from around the world who are beginning to lose their believers to the New Gods. These Gods reflect current society through money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs.
Ricky Mantle has been cast as the protagonist Shadow Moon, with Ian McShane as Moon’s traveling partner Mr. Wednesday.
American Gods is produced by FremantleMedia North America, with Starz retaining all network pay TV and SVOD rights to the show, with FremantleMedia distributing the show worldwide.
Watch Anderson in NBC’s Hannibal below.
