American Gods Finds its Shadow

The highly anticipated television adaptation of Neil Gaiman's American Gods has cast its leading man. Ricky Whittle, best known from his current role on the CW's The 100, will portray Shadow Moon, the "everyman" character who takes center stage during a battle for America between the old and new gods of the country.

American Gods, which is set to air on Starz and will be spearheaded by Bryan Fuller (Hannibal, Pushing Daisies) and Michael Green (Heroes), has promised to be a faithful adaptation of Gaiman's complex (and, at times, racy) novel. One element of that adaptation was Fuller and Green's promise that they would not whitewash the casting of the series, as many of the story's key characters are racially and ethnically diverse. It appears they have kept their promise with their choice for Shadow, who is described as decidedly not white within the text of the novel, although there isn't much deeper discussion as to his racial make-up. While no premiere date has been announced for the series, with casting underway, it would be reasonable to hope for a premiere in early 2017.