AceShowbiz -

Billy Bob Thornton is going to "Fargo". The Golden Globe Award-nominated actor has signed up to star on a TV adaptation of the critically-acclaimed crime film that has been developed as a limited series (10 episodes) on FX.

The 57-year-old, who won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for writing "Sling Blade", will play Lorne Malvo, a rootless, manipulative man who meets a small town insurance salesman and sets him on a path of destruction.

Adapted from the 1996 crime comedy-drama from the Coen Brothers which won two Academy Awards, FX's "Fargo" will feature an all-new "true crime" story, with the series following a new case and new characters, all entrenched in the trademark humor, murder and "Minnesota nice" that has made the film an enduring classic.

Noah Hawley pens the script and will executive produce the limited series. Joel & Ethan Coen, Warren Littlefield and Geyer Kosinski are also on board as executive producers. Production is scheduled to begin this fall in Canada and the series is slated to premiere next spring.

"Fargo" marks Thornton's first regular TV role since he starred on 1990s series "Hearts Afire" and "The Outsiders". The ex-husband of Angelina Jolie who was also nominated for Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for his role in "A Simple Plan" is currently in production for upcoming film "The Judge", featuring Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall and Vera Farmiga among others.