American Gods: Gaiman says TV series drops hints about book sequel

Neil Gaiman just told us that every detail in the American Gods TV series is a hint about the sequel. Yes, he’s writing a second book.

In case you missed it, Neil Gaiman plans to write a sequel to American Gods. Now, Nerdist reports that pretty much every word of the Starz series is a clue about the much-awaited book. We do have Anansi Boys, but that’s not really a sequel. For one thing, it takes place in Africa. The upcoming sequel will stay focused on the gods in America.

Via Entertainment Weekly, Gaiman spoke about producing the TV show with showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green.

"There were moments, which they were very good about listening to, when I would say, ‘Okay, nobody but you two knows anything at all about the plot of American Gods 2, but I need to tell you that this line, which seems like a bit of dialogue that you could lose, will become important. Or this little scene — an indigenous scene — which seems trivial will become important one day and if we get to season 5, we’ll need it then, so let’s put it here now.’"

First of all, season FIVE??? Sorry I just fainted. I predicted maybe three seasons and now I am really fangirling out.

Gaiman also spoke about the importance of little details with Buzzfeed.

"It was kind of really weird for me, because it was like taking somebody into your secret places, explaining things that would be in the next novel to Bryan [Fuller] and Michael [Green]. I’m going, Look, these apparently inconsequential lines of dialogue are really important. They set up for something that happens way down the line."

Although he hadn’t even started writing the American Gods sequel in April, Neil Gaiman says that every single atom of the TV series is a clue. So pay attention! The devil’s in the details. (Oh right, the Morningstar has his own show on Fox, never mind.)

Gaiman actually announced his plans for a sequel in 2011, via Twitter.

There he mentions six years of American Gods on TV. Is this possible? There’s certainly enough source material and possible relevant add-ons, like this week’s tour de force with the Roman god Vulcan. It’s something to look forward to, in any case. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s kind of reddish because of Bryan Fuller, but you know there’s no way we were going to get through this unscathed.

Layers

All this nuance and meaningful detail is why I find it so tough to recap American Gods. There’s no filler, no exposition for the sole purpose of getting the characters from point A to point B. Every word, every look from Wednesday has multiple layers of meaning. The gods speak in riddles. The more you know about their backgrounds and motivations, the more you understand what they’re really saying.

Because every little detail is important, you need to watch and read American Gods more than twice if you’re going to catch everything. You can’t ignore seemingly off-hand comments. Those don’t exist.

The plot of American Gods 2

Aside from hinting that the Starz show is full of hints, Neil hasn’t said much about the plot of American Gods 2. But especially after reading Norse Mythology, I can tell you that the well of Odin stories is far from dry. Maybe Wednesday will sleep through the next book.

I really don’t know which gods will populate the sequel’s universe. But I think I can be pretty certain that it take a good look at where we’ve ended up in 2017. The TV series has already focused on gun violence, immigration, and different beliefs about Christianity. I think the second book will, too.

More Americas to explore

In episode 6, A Murder of Gods, Wednesday says

"Everyone in this particular town is a dedicated citizen, dedicated to one sticky belief: America. Their America. There aren’t just two Americas. Everyone looks at Lady Liberty and sees a different face. Even if it crumbles under question. People will defend the warm, safe feeling their America gives them. They will defend it with bullets."

There are many Americas, and that’s clearer today than it ever was.

It’s not just Democrats versus Republicans, or liberals versus conservatives; every ideology has its own narrative niche carved out. The factionalism in 2017 is unbelievable. With so many sources of information available through the internet, its possible to isolate yourself from any facts or opinions that you find disagreeable.

So here we are, living in completely separate countries. But they’re all 21st century America, all co-existing on top of each other in a giant, hot mess.

Changes

When Neil Gaiman wrote the original American Gods, comics and superheroes didn’t hold the ascendant place in popular culture that they do now. Just look at the Marvel extended universe. Thanks to Media, we worship the Norse gods with our money, our time, and our fanart and fanfic. America loves Thor, who, by the way, is a much different deity because of it than he was in the old country. He was kind of an oaf.

And Gaiman changed the landscape all by himself. American Gods and other of his works gave the old gods the attention and devotion they needed to stay alive. Bast worshipers abound. People are telling Mr. Nancy’s stories again. Does Neil even realize what he’s done? My guess is yes. And I think we will see this reflected in the book’s sequel.

Related Story: American Gods episode 5 explained: All about Wednesday

Who creates the creators? Neil Gaiman does. And with American Gods 2, the cycle begins anew.