Television

Go Behind the Scenes of the AMERICAN GODS Premiere Thanks to the New Gods

by Amy Ratcliffe
May 1 2017 • 3:30 PM

Starz’s American GodsOpens in a new tab has  finally arrived. Sunday’s series premiere brought the adaptation of Neil GaimanOpens in a new tab‘s novel to vivid life with all the stylized and dreamy touches such a story needs. The messaging at the core of the tale is the Old Gods vs. the New Gods. The old is fading, being overwritten by the nearly universal investment of humans in modern luxuries such as media and tech. In the book, the New Gods are the villains. But behind-the-scenes, the sort of technology associated with the New Gods is used in tandem with more practical techniques to make the magic happen.

During the premiere, American Gods showrunners Bryan FullerOpens in a new tab and Michael GreenOpens in a new tab and co-producer Loretta Ramos took to Twitter to share a look at the making of the inaugural episode (which, if you weren’t aware, had some WTF momentsOpens in a new tab). Let’s take a peek behind the scenes.

We’ll start at the beginning with a look at the building of the boat featured in the opening scenes. We learned how the Vikings brought Odin over to America with them.

https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/858850210746904576

Flipping over to Shadow and his haunting dreams in the Bone Orchard with the buffalo, Fuller shared some concept art. Shadow’s dreamscape is more than bizarre; it’s heavy with weight and foreshadowing.

https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/858852248633319424

How about the charming Mr. Wednesday? The casting of Ian McShaneOpens in a new tab in the role was an excellent decision, and Green shared some of McShane’s wardrobe feedback:

Important note about Wednesday’s car:

https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/858860207228698625

We’ll pause for a stop at Jack’s Crocodile Bar. This is where Wednesday and Shadow cemented their agreement and ran into the unlucky Mad Sweeney. Please note the “gater balls” on the menu.

https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/858857751102898176

The premiere introduced Bilquis (and hey, we have a primer on inspiration for her right this wayOpens in a new tab) and in the book, her home is described as being the color of raw liver. It’s the sort of description that practically brings the color to life, and they carefully considered which shade would be just right:

https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/858858383771709440

Let’s move on and take a look at Bruce LangleyOpens in a new tab‘s Technical Boy. He’s the first of the New Gods introduced in the series, and he’s no one to be trifled with–though you probably got that from Shadow Moon’s sound beating. The danger of the New Gods an important point to absorb as you watch Shadow and Wednesday pursue their goals. Anyway. Technical Boy. Fuller shared these digital models and look development for the Godflesh:

https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/858861531076767744

A design of his terrifying face-grabber:

https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/858861028620222464

A behind the scenes looks at Langley:

https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/858860524951412736

And here are some sketches for Technical Boy’s lackeys, The Children:

https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/858862285741187072

With costumes designed by Suttirat Larlarb, they’re very reminiscent of the Droogs in A Clockwork Orange.

Shadow got thrashed shortly after his encounter with Technical Boy in the pouring “rain.”

One last thing that’s a spoiler if you haven’t read the bookOpens in a new tab. (That’s your cue to stop reading this article if you don’t want spoilers.) Fuller shared some art of Shadow throwing the coin from Mad Sweeney down into Laura’s grave. It sure looks like something interesting is happening as it goes under the surface, huh?

https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/858862842593689600

What did you think of the American Gods premiere? Share your thoughts with me in the comments.

Images: Starz

Orlando Jones teases American Gods episode 2:

[brightcove video_id=”5417854675001″ brightcove_account_id=”3653334524001″ brightcove_player_id=”rJs2ZD8x”]