Crispin Glover and Jonathan Tucker to rule in Starz’ American Gods

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Starz' upcoming adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel American Gods provides an intriguing question: Who could you possibly cast to play literal gods among men? Their newest casting bout provides one obvious answer to that question: Crispin Glover.

Glover, best known for his role in the BACK TO THE FUTURE franchise, has also appeared in the horror films FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE FINAL CHAPTER and the 2007 remake of WIZARD OF GORE. He will be playing Mr. World, "the seemingly omniscient leader at the center of the New Gods coalition, sometimes more challenged by his own subordinates than his enemies. In keeping an eye on the activities of the Old Gods, he realizes that their ringleader, Mr. Wednesday, poses an imminent threat."

The other casting choice is not so clear, but equally intriguing. Taking the role of Low Key Lyesmith, Shadow’s one confidante in prison, will be Jonathan Tucker. He has most recently been seen in the TV series Kingdom, but you may recognize him from the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake or THE RUINS. His character Low Key is a "surprisingly philosophical individual. Wiry and fast talking, with an offbeat sense of humor, he has a theory for everything and gives Shadow some sage advice to ready him for the outside world." I haven't been watching Kingdom, so it will be interesting to see what he's learned since his early horror efforts.

The series looks at:

a war brewing between old and new gods: the traditional gods of mythological roots from around the world steadily losing believers to an upstart pantheon of gods reflecting society’s modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs. Its protagonist, Shadow Moon, is an ex-con who becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to Mr. Wednesday, a conman but in reality one of the older gods, on a cross-country mission to gather his forces in preparation to battle the new deities.  

Here's the rest of the cast breakdown so far.

Ian McShane will play Mr. Wednesday, AKA the Norse God Odin himself, Ricky Whittle plays the series protagonist Shadow Moon, and Emily Browning is taking on the role of Shadow's wife, Laura Moon.

Additionally, Sean Harris plays Mad Sweeney, a down on his luck leprechaun; Yetide Badaki plays Bilquis, an ancient goddess of love; and Bruce Langley will play Technical Boy, a New God who is purveyor of all things technology.

Former Hannibal showrunner Bryan Fuller is overseeing American Gods, while David Slade (Hannibal, HARD CANDY) is directing the pilot and additional episodes.