American Gods premieres tonight on Starz in the US, and comes to the UK a day later on May 1 via Amazon Prime Video. For many, the live action adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name is a welcome addition to their experience with American Gods, but for others, this venture into the story will be fresh and new. For that reason, we’ve put together some things you should know about the series’ lead characters ahead of this week’s big debut.
Ricky Whittle, Emily Browning and Ian McShane star
NOTE: There will be minor spoilers ahead, so approach with caution if you want the whole ride to be a complete surprise…
1. Shadow and Laura Moon
When viewers catch up with Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), he’s just a few days away from his release from prison. Though his crime isn’t explicitly stated, it was heavy enough to land him in the slammer where he seems to have been close friends with a man called Low-Key Lyesmith. Little does he know that Low-Key has given him some hugely valuable advice for his time in the free world, which he calls back on sooner than he probably would have liked.
Leaving prison even earlier than anticipated thanks to the death of his wife Laura Moon (Emily Browning), he rushes home for the funeral, meeting somebody very important on the way…
2. Mr. Wednesday
Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) is that man; cocky, arrogant and self-assured, introducing himself to Shadow on the flight home. Whilst on the flight he tells of his powers of manipulation and offers the ex-convict a job should he ever need one. Of course, it’s a job that Shadow will fall into somehow and some way, but saying much more about that would push the spoilers a tad too far. All we’ll say about Mr. Wednesday is that viewers should get used to seeing him on screen; he’s an integral part of the American Gods story.
3. Bilquis
Whilst Bilquis (Yetide Badaki) isn’t a HUGE part of the American Gods novel, it looks like her role will be expanded when it comes to the television series, with Badaki scheduled to appear in all eight episodes of the show’s first season. As one of the old gods, Bilquis finds her worship through having sex with those who adore her, but it’s not just your usual, vanilla sex with this goddess. Keep your eyes peeled for a shocking scene here…
4. Mad Sweeney
Pablo Schreiber steps into the role of Mad Sweeney in American Gods; an Irish old god who’s very clever when it comes to making coins appear. Feasting on the joy he finds from fighting and chaos, he enjoys a punch-up with Shadow in the series’ very first episode, as the two exchange blows and get to know one another in a strange yet satisfying way. Again, he’s not hugely involved in the American Gods novel, but he has a massive role to play in the overall arcing narrative.
5. Technical Boy
Played by Bruce Langley, Technical Boy is the first of the new gods we meet, and he certainly makes an impression. Built out of the obsession Americans have with the internet, he is a spoiled and abrupt young adult, content only when he gets his own way. When he first meets Shadow Moon, events soon lead to an actual life-or-death situation. You’ll have to watch the premiere episode to find out what we mean…
American Gods starts tonight (April 30) on Starz in the US and comes to Amazon Prime Video every Monday thereafter in the UK.