It looks like FX is moving forward with their plans for a Fargo-based limited TV series. According to Indiewire, Sherlock and The Hobbit star Martin Freeman has signed on to appear in the series, taking on the role of Lester Nygaard—the equivalent of the Jerry Lundegaard role that William H. Macy had in the original 1996 film.
As previously reported, the Coen brothers will be executive producers of the series, so consider that before you march over to FX's offices with pitchforks and torches in hand. This sounds like it could actually be good, in fact—plot details are being kept quiet, but it seems like it's going to follow the general structure of the movie involving a regular joe kind of guy—Freeman's character in the TV series—being dragged into a crime scheme that's more than he bargained for. Indiewire reports that it will present a new "true crime" story separate from the film's plot.
Fargo, released in 1996 and written/directed/produced by the Coen brothers, focused on a "beaten down car salesman" portrayed by Macy who hires two criminals to kidnap his wife, and a pregnant policewoman who begins to investigate the crime.
In addition to Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton has been confirmed to take on the equivalent of Steve Buscemi's film role, which was that of one of the criminals that Macy's character gets involved with. Production on the series, which will consist of 10 parts, is set to begin next month, with a premiere dating being eyed for some time next spring.
[via Indiewire]
