Coen Brothers developing ‘Fargo’ TV series at FX
Do we want to see a FX series inspired by the Coen Brothers’ Oscar-winning modern classic “Fargo”? You’re darned tootin’!
Especially because Joel Coen and Ethan Coen are involved in developing the show as executive producers alongside writer and executive producer Noah Hawley, according to Deadline. Hawley, a former co-producer on “Bones,” also created and oversaw short-lived ABC series “The Unusuals” and “My Generation.”
“Fargo” almost made it to TV once before when Kathy Bates directed a 1997 pilot starring a pre-“Sopranos” Edie Falco in Frances McDormand’s Oscar-winning role of Marge Gunderson. The Coens were not involved in that version and it was not picked up to series. The pilot eventually aired on the Trio cable network in 2003.
Details of what to expect from the FX version were not announced, but it’s hard to imagine Marge not being a central character. And given FX’s track record of attracting major talent to TV in series like “Damages” and “American Horror Story,” that sort of high profile part could lead to some very big casting indeed. Is it even possible we’d see McDormand reprise the role?
In addition to landing McDormand a best actress Oscar, the Coens’ 1996 film won an original screenplay Oscar and was nominated for five more Academy Awards including best picture.