"American Gods" has added a major character: "Deadwood" star Ian McShane has been cast in the central role of Mr. Wednesday in Starz's TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman's fantasy novel, as reported Wednesday afternoon by multiple industry outlets including The Hollywood Reporter.

"When you write a beloved character (beloved with, or despite, or because of all his faults) like Mr. Wednesday, you get to watch the Internet trying to cast the role," Gaiman said in a statement. "I've seen a hundred names suggested, but few make me grin like Ian McShane does. I've already been lucky enough to have him in one film (he was bright blue in it, animated, and probably Polish). Now I count myself even luckier: he's made the journey from 'Lovejoy' to 'American Gods.' Yesterday was Super Tuesday. Today is Wonderful Wednesday."

Here's the character description of Mr. Wednesday: "powerful and charismatic -- a Casanova of sorts -- who is a con man and an incarnation of All-Father Odin, who's traveling America recruiting his fellow forgotten deities to wage an epic battle
against the new American gods."

"American Gods" is slated to begin production in April. The series has genre vets Bryan Fuller and Michael Green on board as showrunners, and will star Ricky Whittle as Shadow Moon. McShane is also set to have a major role in the upcoming sixth season of "Game of Thrones" on HBO.