Hot on the heels of news of her exit from the resurrected X-Files, it seems like Gillian Anderson also won’t be returning to play Media on Starz’ American Gods adaptation.
Image: Starz
Divulged in an interview in The Los Angeles Times, Anderson’s break-up with American Gods is a direct result of showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green taking their leave late last year:
Time will tell, but for now, Anderson says, “It has been an extraordinary gift and I’m incredibly grateful for the existence of Scully in my life and for the gift that Chris gave me in casting me, and my friendship with David, and it’s been a wonderful run, but I’ve got other things to do.”
One of those things, unfortunately, will not be appearing again as the new god Media in the second season of “American Gods” on Starz. Anderson says the departure of showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green means she will not return to the show.
News about the future of the Starz series has been scant since the Fuller/Green exit. Kristen Chenoweth has already said she doesn’t know if she’ll be back as Easter and replacements for the two producers have yet to be announced.
As new god Media, Anderson’s transformations into Lucille Ball, Ziggy Stardust-era David Bowie, and Marilyn Monroe were some of the best moments on American Gods‘ first season. But, when things change suddenly, someone like Anderson can turn to other opportunities that present themselves. We’ll just have to wait and see how much of the show’s remaining cast comes back for the already-greenlit second season.