We’re not likely to see the X-Men join the Avengers anytime soon. But the success of the X-Men film franchise has got Fox to explore other ways to expand on the property. Deadpool and Wolverine already have spinoffs set within the X-Men universe, and now the studio is looking to compete with other Marvel shows like Agent Carter and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. with their own Marvel programming.

During the summer TCAs, Fox and Marvel negotiated a deal for two live-action series based on characters from the X-Men. A few months later it was announced that Fargo creator Noah Hawley and Fargo executive producer John Cameron will be behind one spinoff called Legion. And now it looks like the show has found its cast.

According to a new report, Downton Abbey‘s Dan Stevens and Parks and Recreation‘s Aubrey Plaza will be joining Legion. And a Fargo alum will also be joining the cast as well. More on their characters below.

Variety was the first to report on the news.

Stevens will play David, “a haunted man diagnosed as schizophrenic at a young age who’s trying to find his way back to sanity.” Just as he is about to give up on life, he meets the girl of his dreams. The character of David from the comics was actually the son of Professor Charles Xavier.

Plaza stars as David’s friend Lenny, a drug user and an alcoholic, she knows her life will soon turn around, which gives her the likable energy of the impossible optimist despite her rough demeanor.

Jean Smart, who played Floyd Gerhardt in season two of Fargo, will join the cast of Legion as Melanie, a nurturing, demanding therapist with a sharp mind and unconventional methods.

Stevens is currently a rising star having appeared on the hit show Downton Abbey, the cult hit The Guest, and can next be seen alongside Emma Watson and an all-star cast in Beauty and the Beast. As for Plaza, she is better known for her work as April Ludgate, the apathetic college intern, on Parks and Recreation. She was most recently seen in Dirty Grandpa, as well as having a guest spot on Criminal Minds.

Considering this is an FX show, if a series is ordered, it will likely be darker and edgier than the sunny Marvel shows over at ABC. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, as only a pilot has been ordered. But with a strong creative team and a well-rounded cast, it’s hard not to believe that FX would want to order Legion to a full series. We’ll keep you posted on the progress of the pilot should we hear of any developments.

[Source: Variety]