4. American Gods - Neil Gaimen
Legendary author Neil Gaimen is a legend science fiction and fantasy writing, and his 2001 Hugo and Nebula award winning novel is proof positive that he deserves that accolade. Set in the modern day, it depicts a world where mythological creatures and deities from multiple traditions are real, living breathing creatures, brought to life by mankind's belief in them. The gods go into hiding, changing their names and mannerisms to avoid suspicions, until a group of new gods begin to threaten the existence of the old. The new gods represent the technologies that now dictate our everyday lives, such as television & the internet, as well as the western world's obsession with conspiracies and government cover ups. At the forefront is an enigmatic ex-convict, simply known as Shadow, who has been hired to act as bodyguard for Norse god Odin, and the novel dips its toe into many different interpretations of occult figures, mythological beings and all powerful beings through their attempts to rally an army against the new gods. The old gods however, have seen their powers waning over time, as the majority of the population no longer has any belief in them, whereas the new gods grow all powerful through our constant reliance on them. Part road trip, part meditation on our growing reliance on technology and detachment from old values, this could translate smoothly to TV, given its intriguing high concept, large ensemble cast of imaginative characters and expertly interwoven retellings of folklore and mythology.
Is It Happening? Yes! HBO has had the project in active development for a number of years now, even going as far as hiring Gaimen himself to pen the script for the pilot episode. Gaimen has denied rumours of the show being green lit, but if HBO wants to capitalise on the success of Game of Thrones with another fantasy show aimed at adults, they have a perfect opportunity with American Gods.