Billy Bob Thornton has officially signed on to star in FX’s limited series based on the Coen Brothers’ film Fargo.
Thornton has been cast in the 10-episode series’ lead role, a manipulative man named Lorne Malvo. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the character will meet an insurance salesman and put him on the path to destruction in the series.
FX’s Fargo will only be ‘inspired’ by the 1996 acclaimed film. Deadline reports that it will feature a new case, new characters and a mix of murder, humor and ‘Minnesota nice.’ Joel and Ethan Coen had agreed to executive produce the series. Noah Hawley (My Generation) wrote the script and Adam Bernstein is directing the first episode.
Fargo was nominated for seven Oscars, winning for Best Actress (Frances McDormand) and Best Original Screenplay. As for Thornton, he has an Oscar for his screenplay for Sling Blade, a film that earned him an Oscar nomination for acting. He recently directed Jayne Mansfield’s Car and will next be seen in Parkland.
FX hasn’t set a premiere date for Fargo.
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