The first promo spot for NBC’s Hannibal, based on the characters created by author Thomas Harris, who penned the novels RED DRAGON, SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, HANNIBAL, and HANNIBAL RISING, all of which were turned into feature films. Most notably portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, the character of Hannibal Lecter was also played by Brian Cox in Michael Mann‘s MANHUNTER (an early adaptation of RED DRAGON) and by Gaspard Ulliel in HANNIBAL RISING.
Now, NBC, along with showrunner Bryan Fuller (Heroes) are bringing the psychotic serial killer to the small screen, this time played by Mads Mikkelsen (CASINO ROYALE, VALHALLA RISING) with Hugh Dancy taking on the role of FBI profiler Will Graham (previously played by Edward Norton and William Peterson), and Laurence Fishburne taking on the role of Jack Crawford (previously portrayed by Scott Glenn). Overall, it looks pretty solid and definitely worth a first look. It’s difficult material to cover as the crimes of serial killers are pretty grisly affairs, so I’m curious to see how it’s handled for a TV audience. That said, I think there’s definitely room to pull it off and I’m looking forward to seeing how Mikkelsen portrays the illustrious and infamous Dr. Lecter.
Take a look:
Here’s the show synopsis:
Will Graham is a gifted criminal profiler who is on the hunt for a serial killer with the FBI. Graham’s unique way of thinking gives him the astonishing ability to empathize with anyone – even psychopaths. He seems to know what makes them tick. But when the mind of the twisted killer he’s pursuing is too complicated for even Will to comprehend, he enlists the help of Dr. Lecter, one of the premier psychiatric minds in the country. Armed with the uncanny expertise of the brilliant doctor, Will and Hannibal (known as a serial killer only to the audience) form a brilliant partnership and it seems there’s no villain they can’t catch. If Will only knew…
Hannibal premieres on NBC April 4, 2013 10/9c