First look: Fargo TV series with Martin Freeman

One of the images revealed by Yahoo TV shows Martin Freeman, the actor best known for his portrayal of Bilbo Baggins in the Hobbit trilogy. The British actor will play the show's protagonist, Lester Nygaard, a role loosely based on the character played by William H. Macy in the original movie.

In an exclusive premiere, Yahoo TV has unveiled a handful of stills from the new FX series, a spin-off on the Coen brothers' 1996 film.

TV-series-Fargo-AFP-Photo

One of the images revealed by Yahoo TV shows Martin Freeman, the actor best known for his portrayal of Bilbo Baggins in the Hobbit trilogy. The British actor will play the show's protagonist, Lester Nygaard, a role loosely based on the character played by William H. Macy in the original movie. In the TV version, this henpecked insurance salesman will meet a mysterious stranger who brings him nothing but trouble.

Freeman will be joined by Billy Bob Thornton, Colin Hanks, Kate Walsh, Oliver Platt and Bob Odenkirk in the series, which is produced by the directors of the movie version, Joel and Ethan Coen. Screenwriter Noah Hawley ("Bones") will pen the series, aiming to preserve the dark humor and distinctive Midwestern atmosphere of the film while creating an entirely new plot.

FX plans to air the first ten episodes of "Fargo," filmed in Canada, from this spring.