News
Bryan Fuller Adds Two More To Gaiman’s ‘American Gods’
TV Line is reporting that actors Crispin Glover and Jonathan Tucker have joined the cast of “American Gods“. Based on the popular novel by Neil Gaiman, the epic fantasy tale is being brought to like by Bryan Fuller (“Hannibal“) and Michael Green (Alien: Covenant, Blade Runner 2). The series is currently in production up in Canada and is expected to premiere on Starz sometime late this year or early next year.
“American Gods” follows the mysterious Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), a man who is released from prison a few days early after serving a three year sentence for bank robbery when his beloved wife Laura (Emily Browning) is killed in a car accident. Flying home for the funeral, Shadow is seated next to a man who introduces himself only as Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane), and this man knows more about Shadow’s life, both past and present, than is possible. Shadow comes to learn that Wednesday is, in fact, the god Odin of Norse mythology and that all of the gods that mankind has ever believed in are alive in human form and live among regular people. Shadow is soon thrust into a gathering conflict between the Old gods and the so-called “New gods”, the gods of money and technology who believe there is no longer room on Earth for the old gods.
Crispin Glover (Back to the Future, Willard) will bring to life the “seemingly omniscient” Mr. World, the villainous leader of the New Gods. The character is also described as “sometimes more challenged by his own subordinates than his enemies.” If you’re looking to cast an interesting foe for your genre tale, Glover is always an excellent choice. Kudos to Fuller for actually pinning him down to a series.
Jonathan Tucker (Texas Chainsaw Massacre ’03, The Ruins) will play Low-Key Lyesmith, who is described as being “wiry and fast-talking, with an offbeat sense of humor.” He will first appear as Shadow’s cellmate and the return throughout our heroes’ journey. His true identity is revealed later on in the story. The link above spoils it and I won’t repeat it here, although it’s actually a pretty obvious revelation.
They join a cast already comprised of the aforementioned Ricky Whittle, Ian McShane, and Emily Browning. The series will also boast Sean Harris as the leprechaun Mad Sweeney, Yetide Badaki as Bilquis, and Bruce Langley as The Technical Boy. The show is produced by Fuller, Gaiman, and Green, as well as Thom Beers, Stefanie Berk, and Craig Cegielski.
All of us here at Bloody Disgusting are deeply sad to learn that The Blob director Chuck Russell has passed away at 74 years old.
Russell’s career began with his directorial debut, 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The multihyphenate film director, screenwriter, and producer is best known for helming 1994 comedy The Mask starring Jim Carrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner Eraser, and adventure spinoff The Scorpion King. The latter served as the first leading role for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The filmmaker left an indelible mark on horror with his ANOES sequel, 1988’s The Blob, and 2000’s Bless the Child.
Russell’s final film credit is 2024’s Witchboard remake starring Madison Iseman (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), and Jamie Campbell Bower (“Stranger Things”).
It marked Russell’s return to horror after a lengthy hiatus, and he shared sequel hopes to Bloody Disgusting in an interview ahead of the remake’s release: “I got to design the board with real mystical symbols and things that I know represent good and evil, and where that board takes us if the audiences respond to the film, and I hope they will; I know it’s out there for you guys, but the sequel is a world we’ll get to go a little further. That’s sure the intention.”
He also recently expressed interest in returning to the franchise that began his career.
TMZ notes that Russell passed away at his San Diego-area home.
We send our deepest condolences to Chuck Russell’s family, friends, and fans.
Director, Co-Writer & Producer Chuck Russell behind the scenes of the horror film, WITCHBOARD. Photo courtesy of The Avenue and Atlas Distribution
You must be logged in to post a comment.