Gillian Anderson only played a small role as the new goddess Media, but left a lasting impression. Image source: Starz/Amazon Prime Video
Will American Gods get a fourth season after all? Starz canceled the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's fantasy novel in 2021 after three seasons, but now main actor Ricky Whittle is suddenly giving hope for a revival.
There is hope for more American Goods
In an interview with Bleeding Cool Whittle reveals that American Gods could continue on a streaming service other than Prime Video. At least that's what he and Neil Gaiman hope.
[American Gods] is far from dead. I've been in talks with Neil Gaiman for two or three years about finishing the story on another streaming service.
If you ask me, that's great news! Along with Good Omens, American Gods was one of my favorite fantasy series that runs on Amazon Prime Video in Germany. What makes American Gods so good? The basic premise alone is incredibly exciting in my opinion.
What is American Gods even about?
The story revolves around ancient gods such as Czernobog, Ibis or Bilquis, who live among us and are only so powerful depending on how many people still believe in them. Many of them have been forgotten and are now only a shadow of their former self, while a conflict with the new gods – such as the gods of the media and the Internet – threatens to escalate.
In the middle of this conflict finds Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), who is released from prison early due to the sudden death of his wife Laura (Emily Browning). Free and in deep sadness, Shadow is recruited by the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, who takes him into the bizarre world of the gods.
Gives you a concrete impression the official trailer for American Gods:
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American Gods: Official trailer for season 1 of Neil Gaiman's fantasy series
American Gods is dripping with atmosphere and interesting characters and it's definitely worth dipping your little toe into the universe created by Neil Gaiman.
Season 1 of American Gods in particular is an absolute highlight for fantasy fans! This is mainly thanks to the unique and unmistakable imagery and worldbuilding by Bryan Fuller (Hannibal, Star Trek, Heroes).
Just watch the official intro to American Gods and tell me it doesn't blow your socks off!
Link to YouTube content
What went wrong with American Gods?
But I have to admit: American Gods started off strong, but fell off just as much. This is also reflected in the average ratings of the TV series and ultimately the ratings.
During season 1 at Rotten Tomatoes While it still comes to an impressive 92 percent, things look much worse with 61 and 79 points for seasons 2 and 3. But what went wrong? In fact, after its fantastic first season, American Gods was plagued by an unprecedented production debacle behind the scenes.
To summarize it briefly and succinctly: After it was loud Deadline After creative differences and budget disputes arose, showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green left the production. In solidarity with Fuller, actresses Kristin Chenowth and Gillian Anderson also dropped out (via TV Line).
Definitely one of my career highlights: My interview with Emily Browning and Ricky Whittle on American Gods.
That wasn't all!
Jesse Alexander was supposed to follow as the new showrunner, but he wasn't allowed to take on responsibility for long either. Due to disputes over creative direction, Starz relegated Alexander to the bench, and American Gods continued without a showrunner for the time being The Hollywood Reporter reported.
Under the direction of Charles H. Egee, things got louder Entertainment Weekly again led to disputes with the actor playing Mr. Nancy Orlando Jones, who was subsequently fired. In addition, Marylin Manson was originally supposed to play a larger role in season 3 of American Gods, but this was drastically reduced after serious abuse allegations against the musician (via Deadline).
Many nails, one coffin: The combination of increasingly lukewarm reviews, flagging ratings, and one bad press line after another would ultimately bring American Gods to its grave. And that despite the fact that season 3 ended with a pretty nasty cliffhanger, the resolution of which only the book readers know about.
Things can only go uphill: Should American Gods actually return, it will hopefully be with the original cast and also with Bryan Fuller and Michael Green at the helm again! My personal favorite novel by Neil Gaiman (besides Good Omens) definitely deserves to be told to the end in series form.
Have you already seen American Gods? If so, how much did you like the TV series based on Neil Gaiman's fantasy novel? Would you be happy about a comeback or could you do without it in good conscience? Let me know in the comments!