Martin Freeman cast as lead in 'Fargo' TV series

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- British actor Martin Freeman is to star in FX's small-screen adaptation of the 1996 film "Fargo," The Hollywood Reporter said.

Freeman is best known for his work on the British TV shows "The Office" and "Sherlock," as well as in the films "Love Actually" and "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey."

He will play the Lester Nygaard, a Minnesota salesman with financial woes, in the the 10-episode limited "Fargo" series. William H. Macy played the role in Joel and Ethan Coen's Oscar-nominated film.

Billy Bob Thornton is to co-star on the show as Lorne Malvo, a mysterious drifter who sets Lester on a path of destruction, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

Production is to begin this month in Calgary, Canada, for a spring premiere.