Fargo Season Three Cast: Where Are They Now & What Made Them Perfect

Introduction

Fargo, the television series, stands as a testament to the power of anthology storytelling. Each season unfolds a new crime saga, imbued with the dark humor, quirky characters, and Minnesota setting that made the Coen brothers’ original film a classic. While every season of Fargo boasts a stellar cast, Fargo season three holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. The blend of established stars and rising talent, combined with the season’s complex themes and compelling narratives, created a truly memorable television experience. This article delves into the Fargo season three cast, exploring what made their performances so captivating, and what they’ve been up to since their time in the fictional world of snow-covered crime. Season three dives into the lives of Emmit and Ray Stussy, twin brothers with drastically different fortunes. A petty crime spirals out of control, dragging them, and the people around them, into a web of deceit, violence, and philosophical quandaries. As we explore the cast, we’ll also look at the challenges of playing multiple roles, portraying morally ambiguous characters, and how their roles in the show became a part of their acting career.

Ewan McGregor: A Double Dose of Stussy

One of the most audacious casting choices in Fargo season three was Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of both Emmit and Ray Stussy. Emmit, the Parking Lot King of Minnesota, lives a life of relative comfort and success. Ray, his parole officer brother, harbors resentment for what he perceives as Emmit’s advantages. McGregor masterfully distinguishes between the two, using physicality, voice, and mannerisms to create two distinct individuals. The challenge of playing dual roles shouldn’t be understated. McGregor not only had to embody two different characters but also had to interact with himself on screen. This required meticulous planning and a deep understanding of each brother’s motivations.

McGregor’s performance showcased his versatility as an actor. As Emmit, he conveyed a sense of unease and vulnerability beneath the veneer of success. As Ray, he captured the character’s desperation and simmering anger. The contrast between the two brothers was a central theme of the season, and McGregor’s performance was crucial in bringing that theme to life. Before Fargo, McGregor was already a well-established star, known for his roles in Trainspotting, the Star Wars prequels, and Moulin Rouge!. Since Fargo, he has continued to take on diverse roles, including his return to the Star Wars Universe as Obi-Wan Kenobi. His work on Fargo solidified his reputation as a performer willing to take risks and embrace complex characters.

Carrie Coon: The Quiet Strength of Gloria Burgle

Carrie Coon’s portrayal of Gloria Burgle, the Eden Valley police chief, is a masterclass in understated performance. Gloria is a woman of integrity and intelligence, struggling to navigate a world that seems increasingly baffling and resistant to her old-fashioned sense of justice. She’s a character who finds herself at odds with modern technology and the changing times, a theme that resonates throughout the season.

Coon brought a quiet strength and vulnerability to the role. Gloria is not a flashy or overtly heroic character, but she is deeply moral and committed to her duty. Coon portrayed Gloria’s frustration and determination with subtlety and nuance, making her one of the most relatable and sympathetic characters in Fargo history. Prior to Fargo, Coon had already garnered critical acclaim for her work in The Leftovers and Gone Girl. Her performance in Fargo further cemented her status as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Since Fargo, she has continued to impress audiences with her work in films like Avengers: Infinity War and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, as well as television shows like The Gilded Age. Coon has shown that she is adept at taking on a wide range of roles, and she consistently delivers nuanced and compelling performances.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead: Nikki Swango’s Calculated Charisma

Mary Elizabeth Winstead shines as Nikki Swango, Ray Stussy’s cunning and ambitious girlfriend. Nikki is a complex character, a former bridge player with a knack for manipulation and a fierce loyalty to Ray. Winstead’s performance is electrifying, capturing Nikki’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and underlying vulnerability. Nikki is not simply a femme fatale; she’s a survivor who will do whatever it takes to protect herself and the person she loves. Winstead skillfully portrayed Nikki’s transformation throughout the season, as she is faced with increasingly difficult choices.

Winstead brought a captivating energy to the role, making Nikki a character that viewers loved to root for, even when she was making questionable decisions. Before Fargo, Winstead was known for her roles in films like Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and 10 Cloverfield Lane. Fargo gave her the opportunity to showcase her range as an actress and solidify her status as a leading lady. Following Fargo, Winstead has continued to take on challenging roles in films and television, including Birds of Prey and Ahsoka. She has proven to be a versatile actress, and she consistently delivers memorable performances.

David Thewlis: The Unsettling Presence of V.M. Vargas

David Thewlis delivers a chilling performance as V.M. Vargas, the season’s unsettling and enigmatic antagonist. Vargas is a corporate henchman with a sinister agenda, who arrives in Eden Valley to exploit Emmit Stussy’s business. Thewlis embodies Vargas with a disturbing calm and unsettling philosophical musings, making him one of the most memorable villains in the Fargo universe. Vargas represents a new type of evil, one that is rooted in corporate greed and technological manipulation.

Thewlis perfectly captured Vargas’s unsettling demeanor, delivering his lines with a chillingly calm tone. Thewlis is a veteran actor with an extensive filmography, including roles in the Harry Potter series, Naked, and Wonder Woman. His performance in Fargo is a testament to his versatility and ability to inhabit complex and disturbing characters. Since Fargo, he has continued to work steadily in film and television, including roles in Justice League and Enola Holmes. His performance as V.M. Vargas remains one of the most memorable roles of his career.

Supporting Cast: Enriching the World of Fargo

The Fargo season three cast wasn’t just about the leads. The supporting players added depth and richness to the world of the show.

Scoot McNairy as Maurice LeFay

McNairy brought his signature intensity to the role of Maurice LeFay, a hapless drug addict whose actions set the season’s events in motion. McNairy, known for his roles in Argo and Halt and Catch Fire, delivered a memorable performance as the character caught in the show’s cross hairs.

Michael Stuhlbarg as Sy Feltz

Stuhlbarg played Sy Feltz, Emmit Stussy’s loyal but ultimately overwhelmed business partner. Stuhlbarg, a versatile actor with a wide range of film and stage credits, brought a sense of quiet desperation to the role, showcasing his commitment to the world.

Shea Whigham as Moe Dammick

Whigham portrayed Moe Dammick, a no-nonsense police officer investigating the Stussy case. Whigham, known for his work in Boardwalk Empire and American Hustle, brought a grit and realism to the role that elevated the world of the show.

Karan Soni as Dr. Homer Gilruth

Soni brought comedic relief to the show as Dr. Homer Gilruth, Ray Stussy’s comically inept boss. Soni, known for his role in the Deadpool films, added a touch of levity to the season, highlighting the show’s ability to blend drama and humor.

Themes of Duality and Morality

Fargo season three delves into the themes of duality, the blurred lines between good and evil, and the impact of technology on modern society. The dual roles of Ewan McGregor as Emmit and Ray Stussy perfectly illustrate the season’s exploration of duality, with the two brothers representing contrasting sides of the human experience.

The characters within the season often find themselves making difficult choices that blur the lines between right and wrong. Even seemingly good characters, like Gloria Burgle, are forced to confront their own moral shortcomings. The season also examines the impact of technology on human connection and the struggle to maintain a sense of identity in a digital world.

The Cast’s Enduring Legacy

The Fargo season three cast delivered performances that resonated with critics and audiences alike. The season garnered numerous award nominations, and the actors’ work was widely praised for its depth, nuance, and complexity. The season cemented the reputations of many of its cast members, opening doors to new opportunities and further acclaim. The combination of talents brought together a story that is still discussed today, and the impact on the actors cannot be understated.

Conclusion

The Fargo season three cast brought to life a compelling story that explored complex themes and resonated with audiences on a deep level. The actors delivered memorable performances that continue to be celebrated by fans of the series. Whether it’s the duality of Ewan McGregor’s twin brothers, the quiet strength of Carrie Coon’s Gloria Burgle, the cunning of Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Nikki Swango, or the unsettling presence of David Thewlis’s V.M. Vargas, each actor contributed to the overall success of the season. While Fargo season three may be the only season of the anthology series to not take home an Emmy, that does not take away from the acting talents on display. The Fargo season three cast serves as a reminder of the power of ensemble storytelling and the enduring appeal of the Fargo universe. What is it about this particular season and its cast that continues to captivate viewers years later? Perhaps it’s the combination of great writing, masterful acting, and the exploration of timeless themes that make Fargo season three a truly unforgettable television experience.