Neil Gaiman Signs Multi-Year First Look TV Deal with American Gods Producers

Writer Neil Gaiman's works have been adapted a few times, mostly in TV and radio form, but much more should be coming in the next few years. After partnering with FremantleMedia North America for the American Gods TV series on STARZ, Gaiman has signed a mulit-year first look deal with the content studio and producer. That means FMNA now has the right to pursue adaptations of any of Gaiman's works before any other company for television.

The agreement covers Gaiman's existing novels and short stories, but could even be more than that, expanding beyond what Gaiman's already written. He'll be involved, under the partnership agreement, as writer, producer, and other creative capacities. And it sounds like American Gods is just one of many projects coming sooner than later from Gaiman and FMNA.

"FMNA and Gaiman are already working together to identify a full slate of projects," the press release reads. "It's expected that upcoming ventures will encompass both original content, as well as existing Gaiman properties, many of them bringing in acclaimed creators from additional fields, with Cat Mihos continuing to serve as the director of development for Gaiman's The Blank Corporation."

Gaiman is excited about the new first-look deal, and is confident it will mean more of his ideas coming to TV soon.

"Working with my friends at FremantleMedia on shepherding American Gods to the screen has been exciting and delightful way to spend the last three years. I've learned to trust them, and to harness their talents and enthusiasm, as they've learned to harness mine," he says in the release. "They don't mind that I love creating a ridiculously wide variety of things, and I am glad that even the strangest projects of mine will have a home with them. American Gods is TV nobody has seen before and I can't wait to announce the specifics behind what we have coming up next."

Co-CEO of FMNA Craig Cegielski calls Gaiman "one of the most distinctive writers of our time," and says they "couldn't be happier to diversify and expand our relationship to future projects."

American Gods will hit STARZ Sunday April 30, and expect new projects from Gaiman and FMNA to be announced soon!

More Neil Gaiman/American Gods:

American Gods: First Look at Corbin Bernsen as Vulcan

Must-Watch New Midseason TV Shows

Neil Gaiman's American Gods Comic Book Series Announced