Despite some reported troubles behind the camera, Starz released the first footage from the second season of its fantasy drama, “American Gods.”
The minute-long video teases the coming war between the new and old gods, with Crispin Glovers’s Mr. World stating that “The storm is coming.” The series is based on Neil Gaiman’s book of the same name.
Last month, it was reported that “American Gods” showrunner Jesse Alexander, who took over the Starz drama in February after original showrunners Michael Green and Bryan Fuller exited the series, is no longer working on the show.
Starz declined TheWrap’s request to comment directly on Alexander’s showrunner status with the series, saying in a statement first given to THR, “‘American Gods’ has a deep and complex mythology and a unique visual style that makes this series one of the most ambitious productions on television, and one that we remain committed to delivering for our audience.
Studio Fremantle, also declining to comment on Alexander, added in its own statement: “We stand by our network partner’s statement and share in their confidence that season two will exceed expectations. Our cast and crew are extremely passionate about the show and have delivered something that remains loyal to the source material and true to the creative vision of Neil Gaiman. We think fans will feel the same when we share a first look at New York Comic-Con in a few weeks.”
Creators and ex-showrunners Fuller and Green departed “American Gods” after the first season, with Alexander taking their place. Gaiman also serves as executive producer. Starz still hasn’t given a straight answer about why the duo left the series, with network chief Chris Albrecht saying at the Television Critics Association press tour in January, “They were not fired nor did they quit.”
Along with the showrunner shakeup, “American Gods” has seen casting changes going into its sophomore year, with Gillian Anderson (who played Media) replaced by Kahyun Kim (who will play New Media), and the additions of Dean Winters as Mr. Town, who works with Mr. World (Glover) to find out what Shadow (Ricky Whittle) knows about Mr. Wednesday’s (Ian McShane) plan and Devery Jacobs as Sam Black Crow, a college student who is spiritually cynical for someone who claims to believe in so much. She lives life confidently, selling the chainsaw art she carves by the roadside for extra money.
It’s unclear if Kristin Chenoweth will return as Easter, though Starz CEO Chris Albrecht was optimistic of it in January.
The footage, which you can watch above, was screened at New York Comic-Con on Friday.