‘American Gods’ Transforms Gillian Anderson Into Ziggy Stardust And Teases Ian McShane’s ‘Sweetest’ Sex Scene

American Gods is an adaptation of the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name and, as such, creates a world in which gods of various mythologies live among us and combat the new gods of pop culture and technology for our attention. Serving as a sort of general in this war is Mr. Wednesday, played by Ian McShane, who enlists the help of Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) in his quest. Among the new gods trying to divert Shadow from his duties comes Gillian Anderson as Media and, as American Gods revealed in a previous episode, Gillian’s character can take on any pop culture icon she chooses. As American Gods returns tonight, Anderson will test David Bowie fans with her own version of Ziggy Stardust.

American Gods Brings David Bowie’s Alter Ego To Life In “Lemon Scented You”

As Salon reports, “Lemon Scented You” won’t be Gillian’s first appearance on American Gods. Media previously appeared to Shadow as Lucy Ricardo from the classic I Love Lucy television series, speaking to Whittle’s character through a collection of department store television monitors. It was a surreal image to say the least and Anderson’s transformation into the iconic Lucille Ball character was amazing, but teasers for “Lemon Scented You” hint at an even more miraculous evolution.

In tonight’s episode of American Gods, Gillian Anderson will explore her inner freak, as she becomes David Bowie’s fictitious and eccentric Ziggy Stardust.

Conceived for Bowie’s 1972 album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Ziggy Stardust is essentially a bisexual extraterrestrial rock star, which, in itself, was a daring concept for the 70s. The story behind the Bowie album was that Ziggy was sent to Earth to spread positive messages of love and peace, as mankind faced global extinction.

The violence and political upheavals seen throughout the world in the present day makes David Bowie’s message even more relevant today than it was in 1972.

This leaves just one question: Will Gillian Anderson sing in tonight’s American Gods?

Ian McShane Teases The “Sweetest” Sex Scene Filmed For American Gods

While Gillian Anderson prepares to shock fans with another Media transformation, Entertainment Weekly reports that Ian McShane is discussing American Gods shocks of another kind. It would be fair to say that American Gods is not for the easily offended, but that’s not just because of the social commentary the show makes. The sexual nature of man and gods is just as frankly portrayed in erotic scenes, exploring homosexuality as well as straight sex that might make even the most experienced connoisseur look away in shame.

For instance, there was an episode focusing on the goddess Bilquis (Yetide Badaki) and her insatiable need to be worshipped by humanity. Bilquis devoured her lovers quite literally, allowing her sex to envelop them, which, in turn, enhanced her power.

“They talk about ‘How did you audition for that?'” says Ian McShane. “I always say to [Badaki], ‘Were there the same amount of people in the room at the end of the audition as there were at the beginning?’ Yetide’s great.”

American Gods is not for the weak or timid and Ian McShane is certainly made of sterner stuff, as his comments prove. The actor says there was another scene he found to be more powerful and more emotional. That scene was in the third episode of American Gods and it was a gay sex scene involving an Arab male and a male genie.

“Actually I thought that was one of the sweetest, tenderest, extraordinary things,” added Mr. McShane.

American Gods airs episode 5, “Lemon Scented You,” tonight on Starz.

[Featured Image by Starz]