Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Fargo set for second season minus Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton

There will be a different time period and cast for the show's next run

Jess Denham
Thursday 24 July 2014 10:06 BST
Comments
Martin Freeman as Lester Nygaard in the TV adaptation of Fargo
Martin Freeman as Lester Nygaard in the TV adaptation of Fargo (Network FX)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Martin Freeman fans will be disappointed to learn that he will not be returning for a second series of Fargo.

The Sherlock star, 42, played unhappy, struggling salesman Lester Nygaard in the hit TV adaptation of the Coen Brothers’ 1996 movie.

But while the show will be back for a new run, US network FX confirmed earlier this week that the Emmy-nominated cast will be different.

Noah Hawley will continue as writer and executive producer, but there will be a new time period and a fresh storyline told over 10 episodes.

Billy Bob Thornton, Colin Hanks and Allison Tolman are not believed to be returning for the next season, due to air in late 2015 at the earliest.

John Landgraf, FX chief executive, paid tribute to the “breathtaking” series, describing his pride at its success.

“Noah’s audacious, bordering on hubristic riff on my favourite Coen Brothers film earned 18 Emmy nominations, the most of a single program in our history,” he said in a statement.

“It will be a new cast of actors, which is kind of heartbreaking from my standpoint given how much I loved the actors. But frankly, I think we can do it with unknowns.”

Landgraf added that work on the scripts is already “well in progress” but production is yet to be scheduled.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

The drama is up for Best TV Mini-Series at the Emmys, with Freeman, Thornton, Hanks and Tolman all nominated for acting accolades.

Only Game of Thrones beat Fargo in the nominations race, racking up 19 ahead of the 25 August ceremony.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in