The making of Fargo at 30: ‘Man, you don’t give me this role, I’m gonna shoot your dog’

As the Oscar-winning Coen brothers classic reaches its three decade anniversary, stars of the film discuss the stories behind its production William H Macy was originally slated for the modest role of a detective in Fargo. Then the film’s directors, Joel and Ethan Coen, asked if he would like to read for the lead part of Jerry Lundegaard. “I said: ‘Boy, do I!’,” recalls Macy. He memorised the script that night and impressed the Coens but needed to seal the deal. Macy heard the pair were in Ne...

By David Smith in Washington