American Gods, Neil Gaiman's celebrated novel often considered the most acclaimed fantasy book of the 21st century, is heading to the small screen. Starz has ordered a full series with Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller and Kings creator Michael Green serving as co-showrunners.

Neil GaimanNeil Gaiman's American Gods is heading to the small screen

"I am thrilled, scared, delighted, nervous and a ball of glorious anticipation," said Gaiman in a statement. "The team that is going to bring the world of American Gods to the screen has been assembled like the master criminals in a caper movie: I'm relieved and confident that my baby is in good hands. Now we finally move to the exciting business that fans have been doing for the last dozen years: casting our Shadow, our Wednesday, our Laura."

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Based on the idea that gods and mythological creatures exist because people believe in them, American Gods follows ex-convict turned reluctant bodyguard Shadow Moon, who is the reincarnation of Baldr, the Norse god of light.

"The search for Shadow begins today!" Starz CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement.

"We hope to create a series that honors the book and does right by the fans, who have been casting it in their minds for years," he added.

American Gods is apparently a major priority for FremantleMedia North America as it looks to push forward with its scripted production operations.

"Neil's novel is a brilliant work of art, and together with the talented Bryan Fuller and Michael Green, we are committed to delivering a series that is nothing short of extraordinary," said FremantleMedia North America co-CEO Craig Cegielski.

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