‘American Gods’ trailer hints at conflict between new, old deities

Another fantasy series is coming our way, this time based on the critically acclaimed novel “American Gods” by renowned author Neil Gaiman.

To whet our appetites for “American Gods,” Starz has released a new trailer introducing us to the main characters and hinting at the upcoming conflict between the old gods of mythology and the new gods of the modern world.

“American Gods” centers on ex-convict Shadow Moon, who becomes bodyguard to a con artist named Mr. Wednesday. But Mr. Wednesday is more than he makes himself out to be; he is in fact an old god who is traveling across the country to build an army.

The old deities of mythology, you see, have lost their relevance — and with it, their power. Humans no longer believe in them, as we’re too busy catering to the whims of the new gods — those whose gifts include modern technology, fame, and wealth.

Mr. Wednesday wants to change all that so he and his ilk can rise to prominence again.

“American Gods” stars Ricky Whittle (“The 100”) as Shadow Moon, Ian McShane (“Deadwood”) as Mr. Wednesday, Emily Browning (“Sucker Punch”) as Shadow’s deceased wife Laura Moon, and Pablo Schreiber (“The Brink,” “Orange is the New Black”) as Mad Sweeney.

Rounding out the cast are Crispin Glover as Mr. World, Orlando Jones as Mr. Nancy, Bruce Langley as Technical Boy, and Yetide Badaki as Bilquis.

The novel “American Gods” was published in 2001. It won the Hugo, Bram Stoker, Nebula, SFX Magazine, and Locus awards for Best Novel. It is succeeded by a sequel, “Anansi Boys,” which was published in 2005. Like its predecessor, it also won a number of awards.

“American Gods” premieres this April 30. — AT, GMA News