Colin Hanks Joins FX Series ‘Fargo’, Jim Piddock Cast In E! Pilot ‘The Royals’

Dexter alum Colin Hanks has signed on to co-star opposite Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman in FX’s first limited series Fargo, executive produced by Joel and Ethan Coen. Inspired by the Coens’ 1996 film, FX’s Fargo, from FX Prods and MGM TV, features an all-new crime story and characters. It centers on Lester Nygaard (Freeman), a small-town insurance salesman henpecked by his wife, whose life is changed when a mysterious stranger, Lorne Malvo (Thornton), comes to town. Hanks will play Duluth Police Deputy Gus Grimly, a single dad who must choose between his own personal safety and his duty as a policeman when he comes face-to-face with a killer. Hanks, repped by UTA and The Schiff Co, co-stars in the upcoming feature Parkland.

Jim Piddock has been cast in E!’s pilot The Royals, a contemporary drama about a fictional royal family informed by the regal opulence of the British monarchy and framed by Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The project, from Lionsgate TV and creator Mark Schwahn, centers on Prince Liam (William Moseley) who is thrust in the spotlight after his older brother, the beloved Prince Robert, is killed in a military training accident. Piddock will play Truman, the butler to Liam’s father, King Simon (Vincent Regan). Elizabeth Hurley plays Queen Helena, Haley Lo Richardson plays Ophelia, and Alexandra Park plays Princess Eleanor. Piddock, repped by Lighthouse Entertainment, AEF and United Agents, frequently works with Christopher Guest, with whom he co-created and executive produces HBO/BBC2’s comedy Family Tree starring Chris O’Dowd and co-starring Piddock. He will next be seen alongside Kevin Hart in Think Like A Man Too.