John Landgraf, CEO of FX Networks, announced at the TCA Awards that the next season of the acclaimed television series based on the Coen Brothers’ 1996 film of the same name will feature an all-new cast, a diffent time period setting, and a new “true crime” story that will unfold over the new ten episode run. The first series featured an allstar line-up including Academy Award nominee Billy Bob Thornton, Hobbit star Martin Freeman and ‘son of Tom’ Colin Hanks.
British actor Martin Freeman played a main role in the show’s first series. Image: FX
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The decision to work with a new cast of characters and setting echoes HBO’s plans for the next series of rival crime drama ‘True Detective’, though Landgraf was quick to try and distance the shows, even suggesting that HBO had their work cut out to best their acclaimed first run and that the next series of ‘Fargo’ may not feature big name actors.
“I think True Detective is going to have to prove it’s not just a vehicle for movie stars [next season],” Landgraf said. “[True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto] is going to have to write something truly great every single year. I think Noah [Hawley, Fargo writer] has already proven he can write something really great … I think we needed Billy Bob [to launch the show] but we don’t need somebody next year.”
Billy Bob Thornton won’t be reprising his role in the next series of ‘Fargo’. Image: FX
There is just a hint of sour grapes in Landgraf’s comments, which come just after ‘True Detective’ picked up two prizes at the Television Critics’ Association Awards, Individual Achievement in Drama for Matthew McConaughey and Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials, for which ‘Fargo’ was also nominated.
Landgraf also announced that FX is to renew Louis C.K’s dramedy ‘Louie’ for a fifth season.
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