I didn’t think 2018 was going to devastate me like this. Sure, we were all already mourning the loss of visionary American Gods showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green last year, but losing Gillian Anderson, a.k.a. Media, a.k.a. one of the best parts of the show? And maybe even Kristin Chenoweth, a.k.a. Easter, to boot? We weren’t prepared for it, but that’s where we’re reportedly at, according to new stories from the Los Angeles Times and Variety.

Is there a God of Random Miracles? Because we’re gonna need one to keep the acclaimed series alive at this point, as both women have indicated its Green and Fuller’s departure that ultimately aided in their decision-making. No surprise there, as the men were central in creating the series’ vision. And such public statements could pose a sea change for all the other actors involved—if the big names start dropping, so too may the faith of the faithful, actors and fans alike.

According to Anderson—who was mostly speaking about her role in The X-Files and decision to also not return to that series—the LA Times reports that she “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.”

And it was a similar tune sung by Chenoweth, who portrayed Easter on the series, as we learned from io9. “When Bryan was the showrunner, I was coming back for several episodes, but I don’t know now,” Chenoweth explained to Variety. “It depends on who it is and if they think I add value or not.”

Now, Chenoweth’s value to the series is fairly undeniable: at the end of the season one finale, Old God Easter showed her true powers by destroying nature and life in retaliation to New Gods Media and Mr. World’s plan to run the whole Gods show. Fuller and Green ostensibly set up a battle between both God factions, spearheaded by Easter on the Old Gods side and Bilquis (Yetide Badaki) on team Old Gods. To recast her or remove her completely from the story would seriously damage the story in progress

Of course, given Media’s ever-changing face, it would be much easier to recast her under the guise of Media needing to change her face to keep ahead of the Old Gods. But it would still mean a major loss for the show’s creative talents.

What do you think of the news? Let us know in the comments below!

Alicia Lutes is the Managing Editor, creator/host of Fangirling, and resident Khaleesi of House Nerdist. Find her on Twitter!

NEED MORE FROM THE GOD SQUAD?

• Read our interview with Fuller and Green about what they had planned for season 2!
• Here’s Neil Gaiman explaining what it was like to expand his story.
• And this VFX reel beautifully explains how the world of the dead comes to life.

Images: Starz