WALTER SCOTT ASKS... JASON SCHWARTZMAN

The Rushmore star, 39, heads to Kansas City in the 1950s for the fourth season of Fargo on FX (originally set for April 19, a new premiere date is to be determined). He stars as Josto Fadda opposite Chris Rock, 55, in the gritty, gripping story of two crime lords jockeying to control illegal operations in the region. This summer, he’ll appear in director Wes Anderson’s movie The French Dispatch.

Your character, Josto, seems a little hotheaded.

I agree. When we find out that Josto’s brother’s going to visit from Italy, we’re described as, “One is a lion in a zoo, and one is a lion in the jungle.” That’s a way of saying that my character, the heir apparent of this crime family, has never really had to fight for anything on his own. He’s always had people behind him.

Creator Noah Hawley said this is the best Fargo ever. What do you think?

In the other three seasons, there’s a cop who’s putting it all together. This season has Ethelrida (Emyri Crutchfield), a 16-year-old girl. That makes it unique.

How did you make the decision to become vegetarian?

In 2001, when I was on tour with my band, I got sick eating something. I noticed everyone got sick except this one gentleman in my band, who was vegan. So I said, “For the rest of this tour, I’m going to go vegetarian.” I got back and it never occurred to me not to eat that way afterwards.

What are you doing musically these days?

I put out two albums [as solo act Coconut Records], and then I was very fortunate to do two scores for two films. I really loved that. Right now, I’m preparing to do another album. But the great thing about music that I don’t necessarily get from anything else is that you can do it anytime, anywhere you want.

Your career has spanned more than 20 years. What’s been the best part of that journey?

To be here right now. I’m very fortunate to have worked and have a career of anything. I love working. I love being on a set. I get there, I see everyone has different jobs. I like the feeling that we are all this little creative army or something. We are all pulling together to make one thing. I like collaboration. That’s my favorite part of the journey, just continuing to be a part of that. I just feel happy to be here.