Ian McShane to play Mr. Wednesday in Starz series 'American Gods'

BEVERLY HILLS , Calif., March 3 (UPI) -- Deadwood veteran Ian McShane is set to play Mr. Wednesday in the upcoming adaptation of Neil Gaiman's contemporary fantasy novel, American Gods.

The Starz series is scheduled to begin shooting in April.

"When you write a beloved character -- beloved with, or despite, or because of all his faults -- like Mr. Wednesday, you get to watch the Internet trying to cast the role," Gaiman said in a statement Wednesday. "I've seen a hundred names suggested, but few make me grin like Ian McShane does. I've already been lucky enough to have him in one film -- he was bright blue in it, animated, and probably Polish. Now I count myself even luckier: he's made the journey from Lovejoy to American Gods. Yesterday was Super Tuesday. Today is Wonderful Wednesday."

"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," added showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green in their own separate statement.

Ricky Whittle was recently announced to play Shadow Moon in American Gods.