Gillian Anderson appeared on Starz’s Neil Gaiman adaptation American Gods as the god of Media, transforming into pop culture figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball and David Bowie in order to bring Shadow over to the dark side. But in new stories from the LA Times and Variety, Anderson revealed that she won’t return for Season 2 of American Gods.
“Anderson says the departure of showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green means she will not return to the show,” the LA Times report stated.
Fuller and Green left American Gods back in November, according to Deadline and Variety:
“No one is addressing the reasons behind Green and Fuller’s exit, but we hear that the split may have been over the series’ budget. There had been talk that the budget for first season of the ambitious production had ballooned to Game of Thrones levels. We hear series producer FremantleMedia North America, under new scripted chief Dante di Loreto, tried to impose big budget cuts for the 10-episode second season, which led to the showrunner change.”
Chenoweth, who played the goddess Easter, is also unsure of her status.
“Bryan asked me to come on board,” Chenoweth said. “The cast, we all talk to each other and they’re getting together tonight, so we’ll see what happens next… When Bryan was the showrunner, I was coming back for several episodes, but I don’t know now,” Chenoweth added. “It depends on who it is and if they think I add value or not.”
Far be it from me to tell these fancy entertainment folks their own business, but you don’t get Game of Thrones-level popularity without Game of Thrones-level investment, people. Fuller and Green left an indelible stamp on American Gods, one stuffed full of vision and mystery. I don’t envy the job of whoever takes over as Season 2 showrunner.
As it stands, the show (currently) still has Ricky Whittle and Ian McShane, as well as a host of other stars, but losing both Anderson and possibly Chenoweth is a major blow from which fan interest might not recover. I know mine isn’t.
What do you think about this American Gods Season 2 casting news? Who would you pick to replace Media or Easter, or are Anderson and Chenoweth simply irreplaceable? Did Starz make a big mistake by causing Fuller and Green to depart? Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
