Hollywood Popular Artists

Sep 30th 2013, 22:00, by Kevin P. Sullivan

The concept of a "Fargo" TV show is still one that has a left with mixed emotions. They tried it once before as a pilot starring Edie Falco as Marge Gunderson, the role originally played by Frances McDormand in the Coen Brothers movie. That version was filmed, but it never went anywhere.

Still unable to shake the notion that a cop show colored with the cherry accents of Minnesota, TV execs are making another go, but this time they're bringing some serious talent into the fold and telling a more original story. Plus, the Coen Brothers will actually be on-board to executive producer.

The star of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" and the BBC's "Sherlock," Martin Freeman, just signed as the lead actor for the project, which is likely to air on FX next spring.

Freeman will be joined by Billy Bob Thornton in a story loosed based on that of the original. The "Sherlock" actor will play Lester Nygaard, a sadsack insurance salesman who meets a mysterious stranger, played by Thornton, and the two set off one what is likely to be an extortion plot gone very, very badly.

While the movie "Fargo" still has an unshakable place in our hearts, we can't help but be a little excited for the television series, especially with all this talent and the Coen Brothers involved, even if it is just an executive producers role.

Look for "Fargo" to air on FX sometime this spring?

What do you think of the casting? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!

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