Neil Gaiman makes his way to the small screen with a TV adaptation of his best-seller, “American Gods.”
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Are you one of those “A Song of Fire and Ice” snobs who likes to lord over us poor “Game of Thrones” philistines with spoilers from George R.R. Martin’s books? Then it’s time to brush up on your Neil Gaiman.
The author, graphic novelist and screenwriter is poised to take on a new medium with a television adaptation of his best-selling, award-winning novel “American Gods.”
Originally considering HBO, Gaiman ultimately didn’t like the direction the network was taking and instead signed on to work with Starz, according to TheWrap.com. Gaiman will be an executive producer on the show, along with Michael Green and Bryan Fuller.
TheWrap.com posted the following quote from Starz’s managing director, Carmi Zlotnik:
“‘American Gods’ is a project that deserves to be made. With our partners at FremantleMedia and with Bryan, Michael and Neil, we believe we can create a series that honors the book and does right by the fans and viewers.”
Mythological and metaphorical in nature, the novel pits old-world gods — many old, sick and forgotten — against new “gods” like technology, money and drugs. The main character, Shadow Moon, attends a conman known as Mr. Wednesday as he ventures into North America to confront and recruit powerful deities who can fight in the oncoming war.
The 2001 novel has been translated into more than 30 languages, per TheWrap.com, and it’s won a Hugo, Nebula and a Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel — among numerous other awards. Gaiman cites comic books and fairy tales as influences on his writing.
Fuller is going to pen the pilot, while Green will be the showrunner of “American Gods.” Other executive producers are FremantleMedia North America’s Thom Beers, Craig Cegielski and Stefanie Berk. Casting and a premiere date have not yet been announced.
It has also not been revealed if aspects of spin-off 2005 novel “Anasi Boys,” featuring the sons of “American Gods” character Mr. Nancy, will become part of the television series.
