Whoopi Goldberg joins Delroy Lindo and Malachi Kirby in the Amazon Prime series adaptation of Anansi Boys.
Based on Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novel, the six-episode series is set throughout contemporary London and follows a cast of characters in an epic story that stretches from the UK to Florida, the Caribbean, and the mythical World Before Time.
Anansi Boys also stars Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Emmanuel Ighodaro, Cecilia Noble, Ayanna Witter-Johnson, and Don Gilet.
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Anansi Boys chronicles the story of Charlie Nancy (Kirby), who’s been stuck with the nickname his father gave him, Fat Charlie, even though he’s not fat. When his dad dies, Charlie learns that his parent was actually Anansi: Trickster God of stories (Lindo) and he has a secret brother, Spider (also played by Kirby), who enters Charlie’s life determined to make it more interesting—but making it a lot more dangerous instead.
Orlando Jones played Anansi in Starz’s American Gods series, and he’s been vocal about how the producers did him wrong, but Gaiman and the team on Anansi Boys state this new show, like the book, is technically separate from American Gods.
Goldberg portrays Bird Woman who is the God of Birds and one the show’s key antagonists. She is but one of a “pantheon of gods who make up the mythical World Before Time — a place that isn’t a place, where the animals who are gods still walk. A place of incredible beauty, magic and danger.” Long ago, Anansi did her dirty, and now she might finally have her chance to turn the tables.
“I have been a fan of this book for a very long time and when Neil Gaiman told me it was being brought to the screen, I did everything I could to be part of it to help make people aware of Anansi and all his magic,” said Goldberg.
Joining Goldberg as fellow deities
Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Hotel Rwanda) as Tiger. He’s still angry with Anansi for stealing the stories, for making fun of him, and for coming out on top. Tiger (it’s the name of any Big Cat in the Caribbean) is a dangerous enemy to Anansi and all his bloodline.
Emmanuel Ighodaro (The Queen and I) as Lion. He’s proud and noble and has no time for Anansi.
Cecilia Noble (The Lady in the Van) as Elephant. She’s old and wise, and hates Anansi.
Ayanna Witter-Johnson (The Collaboration) as Snake. She’s beautiful and deadly and hates Anansi.
Don Gilet (Sherwood) as Monkey. He’s terrified of Anansi, keen on food—particularly fruit—and has the attention span of, well, a monkey…
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The series is currently filming in Scotland and will premiere on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Gaiman, Henry, Douglas Mackinnon, Hanelle M. Culpepper, Hilary Bevan Jones (Endor Productions), and Richard Fee (RED Production Company) are executive producers. Gaiman and Henry write for the series along with Arvind Ethan David, Kara Smith, and Racheal Ofori. Gaiman and Mackinnon serve as co-showrunners. Culpepper (Star Trek: Picard, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey) also directs the pilot. Paul Frift serves as producer.
The show is produced by Amazon Studios, where Gaiman is under an overall deal, The Blank Corporation, Endor Productions, and RED Production company.
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