Glad to be bad

Why Fargo star David Thewlis loves his sinister new character – including the rotten teeth.

- Judy Ewens, Richard Mcclure, Jane Mulkerrins

Best known for playing Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter movies, Blackpool born actor David Thewlis can currently be seen in the third season of Fargo. His character, VM Varga, is a mysterious British businessman working for a shadowy organisation with which Emmit Stussy (Ewan McGregor) finds himself involved.

While this week’s episode will centre on police chief Gloria (Carrie Coon), Varga will return next week as the plot starts to thicken.

We spoke to the 54-year-old about his menacing role…

How would you describe Varga?

He’s one of the most mysterious characters I’ve ever played and he’s very hard to get to the bottom of. He’s all about the accumulation of great, great wealth, but he doesn’t display it. In fact, he deliberately hides it. When he flies, he flies economy, and his tie is secondhand – he’s a secret millionaire.

It looks like he is going to be this season’s villain?