Rachel Keller

Fargo’s rising star has the superpowered touch in Legion

- Nick Setchfield

Rachel Keller is Syd Barrett. No, not Pink Floyd’s tragic, acid-drenched visionary but a whole other Syd Barrett – named in his honour. This one’s spiky and street-smart and has the power to trade bodies. You’ll find her in Legion, Fargo creator Noah Hawley’s stylised TV take on the X-Men universe. It’s a creative reunion for Keller, who came to prominence as free-spirited mobster’s daughter Simone in Fargo’s second season. For all that Hawley’s shaking up the franchise – a full-blown Bollywood dance routine is just one reality-bending treat in store – Keller says its essential mutant gene is intact. “At Comic-Con I saw people who felt like outsiders, decked out in their favourite costume, expertly and unapologetically asking about ‘the omega level’ or whatever. And I thought, ‘I know exactly who we’re making this show for. And I get you. And maybe I’m you too.’” Shine on, you crazy diamond.

Simone was a break-out role for you. You need to follow a break-out role with a smart choice. Why was Legion the right choice for you?