Billy Bob Thornton, FX to bring 'Fargo' to the small screen

FX has cast Billy Bob Thornton in a 10-part television series based on Joel and Ethan Coen's iconic 1996 film, "Fargo," CEO John Landgraf told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour on Friday.

Though the small-screen adaptation will feature an all-new storyline and characters, it will retain "Fargo's" kooky black humor and Minnesota accents. The 58-year-old Thornton will play Lorne Malvo, a wandering con artist who sets a small-town salesman astray.

Landraf said the series will "remain true to the spirit of the original," though none of the 1996 cast members will return.