Starz has cast Ricky Whittle in the lead role of "American Gods," its upcoming adaptation of Neil Gaiman's bestselling fantasy novel.

Best known to U.S. audiences for his role on "The 100," the "Hollyoaks" alum will play ex-convict Shadow Moon who, upon early release from prison, is hired to be the bodyguard of a mysterious con man named Wednesday.

However, it’s soon revealed that Wednesday is 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 — manifestations of modern life and technology, like Internet, media and credit cards.

Production of the series was contingent upon the casting of Shadow. With Whittle in place, Deadline reports "American Gods" will begin filming in April.

Bryan Fuller and Michael Green are the writers and showrunners, with David Slade on board to direct the pilot and additional episodes. Gaiman will join all three as an executive producer.