American Gods is going in a different direction with its third season.
Mousa Kraish is bowing out of the Starz drama series, with the actor revealing he will not appear in the forthcoming season.
“I can confirm that I wasn’t asked to come back this season,” he tweeted.
“It has been an honor to play the Jinn and live in his fiery eyed skin… This character has introduced me to so much and I was proud to represent not just the Middle Eastern community in such a positive role you don’t normally see television but also the LGBTQ community that supported this character of color that you don’t see on television.”
The actor did not give a reason for his ousting from the popular series based on the book by Neil Gaiman.
Kraish’s exit comes just days after his former castmate Orlando Jones took to social media to reveal he would not be returning.
In a video posted to Twitter on Saturday, Jones said that he was let go because new showrunner Charles “Chic” Eglee felt that his character, Mr. Nancy sent the “wrong message for black America.”
The series released a statement in the immediate aftermath explaining the decision.
“The storylines of ‘American Gods’ have continually shifted and evolved to reflect the complex mythology of the source material,” it reads.
“Mr. Jones’ option was not picked up because Mr. Nancy, among other characters, is not featured in the portion of the book we are focusing on within season three.”
Thank you #AmericanGods fans.
I know ya’ll have LOTS of questions about the firing. As always I promise to tell you the truth and nothing but. ❤️ Always, Mr. Nancy🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/sDouoQlUMd— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) 14 December 2019
“Several new characters, many of which have already been announced, will be introduced into Shadow Moon’s world that will further contribute to the show’s legacy as one of the most diverse series on television.”
It’s certainly troubling the series is losing two beloved cast members, especially when there has been so many changes behind the scenes since the series was announced.
What are your thoughts on this latest twist in the tale?
Will you miss both cast members?
Hit the comments below.
Paul Dailly is the Associate Editor for TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter.