HBO Continues Fantasy Binge, Plans Adaptation of Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods'

HBO must be banking on a lot of success with "Game of Thrones," as the network is already planning another fantasy series. This one could have an even bigger impact on new HBO subscriptions, though, as it will have author Neil Gaiman and his cult following behind it.

HBO is planning to adapt Gaiman's Hugo and Stoker Award-winning novel "American Gods" into a series, as written by cinematographer Robert Richardson and, of course, Gaiman himself. The project will be produced by the very busy Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, whose production company recently announced plans to make a movie out of Green Day's Broadway musical "American Idiot."

Gaiman, who is known in the comic book world for his Sandman series and in the literary world for bestsellers like "Anansi Boys," has a following of hardcore fans that could be turned on to HBO simply to see this series.

The recent films "Stardust" and "Coraline" were adapted from Gaiman's novels, and the author also wrote the CGI "Beowulf."

"American Gods" follows the story of a man who, after losing his wife in a car accident and spending time in prison, becomes entangled in a brewing war between the gods. On one side are the "old gods," figures from ancient mythology whose powers are waning because nobody believes in them anymore; on the other side are the "new gods," deities of television, freeways and other modern inventions.

The script has yet to even be written, so a lot could happen between now and production time, but fantasy fans will want to keep their fingers crossed that this one makes it to air. Gaiman's work has been adapted for TV before, such as with the BBC production of "Neverwhere," but small production budgets kept it from realizing its potential. With a powerhouse like HBO as well as Tom Hanks' Playtone productions behind it, "American Gods" could be something pretty spectacular.