Many of you know that I don’t spend all my time in movie theaters and celebrity homes. I pass a good deal of my “off-hours” with my nose buried in my Kindle. Ever since I learned how to read, I’ve been absolutely devouring the written word, and I’ve been plowing through about a book a week for longer than I care to remember. I’ve even hosted a web TV show called “This Week In Books.” So when I get excited about one of my favorite novels being given the movie/TV treatment, you know it’s going to be something special — something to look forward to with great anticipation.

Such is the case with Neil Gaiman’s absolute masterpiece, American Gods. I was ecstatic when this press release arrived in my email box:

“Starz has given a greenlight to FremantleMedia North America’s (FMNA) adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel American Gods. Bryan Fuller (“Hannibal,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Heroes”) and Michael Green (“The River,” “Kings,” “Heroes”), will pen and showrun the series.  Gaiman will also executive produce the series. FremantleMedia North America will produce.”

For those of you who have yet to read the 2001 novel that’s been translated into more than 30 languages and earned numerous accolades including Hugo, Nebula and Bram Stoker Awards for Best Novel, the plot involves a war brewing between old and new gods. You have the traditional gods of biblical and mythological roots, some of whom came to the US with immigrants from foreign lands, and they’re up against upstart gods reflecting society’s modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs. While the traditional gods are losing power and believers, the new gods are gaining. The book’s protagonist, Shadow Moon, is an ex-con who becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to a conman named Mr. Wednesday. Together they go on a cross-country mission to gather forces in preparation for the battle of the deity, and they hit some of the country’s most interesting and unusual locations along the way.

Jon Bernthal

Kit Harington

According to the release, start of production is dependent upon the casting the lead role of “Shadow Moon.” Insider sources tell me a great deal of the limited series will be filmed in New Zealand, of all places. So I’m getting busy guessing whom they might be considering to play Shadow. Walking Dead‘s Jon Bernthal? Game of Thrones‘ Kit Harrington (since he’s, ahem…out of work, as far as we know.) In my opinion, the hands down best choice would be Michiel Huisman of Treme/Nashville/Game of Thrones/Age of Adeline fame. Tall, dark, handsome and brooding when he needs to be, I think he’s perfect.

Michiel Huisman

What do you think, fellow American Gods lovers? Who would you cast in the lead role? Shall we see if our noses for casting are as good as the professionals? I’ll keep you posted.

Neil Gaiman’s American Gods Gets Green Light From Starz