Bryan Fuller's surreal, bloody Hannibal both departs from and adds to the story of Hannibal Lecter, the infamous serial killer brought to life in Thomas Harris's award-winning novels. Mads Mikkelsen stars as the title character, a refined and sociopathic forensic psychologist who eats people on the side. Hugh Dancy co-stars as FBI Agent Will Graham, an extreme empath who develops a singular and somewhat romantic bond with Dr. Lecter.
After airing on NBC for three seasons, Hannibal was officially canceled in 2015. In addition to fans, the cast and crew were devastated by the decision. In fact, Fuller hopes to bring the show back, as he envisions more in the future between Dr. Lecter and Graham. Talk of a fourth season has been floating around for years now, and if it ever comes about, Fuller has some exciting potential narrative arcs in store for fans.
Hugh Dancy And Mads Mikkelsen Will Return
Both Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen have committed to returning to Hannibal if the series is revived. Since so much of the series revolves around their relationship, it's hard to imagine the show without their characters.
Dancy and Mikkelsen's openness about reprising their roles also indicates the two survive plunging off a cliff together at the end of season three. Fuller anticipates there are plenty more mind games, murders, and macabre flirting moments in store for the pair.
Anna Chumsky's Character Miriam Lass Will Play A Bigger Role
Anna Chlumsky has a small, but important, role in Hannibal as FBI trainee Miriam Lass. Lass is recruited by Laurence Fishburne's character Jack Crawford to investigate murders committed by Lecter.
When Lass gets too close to the truth, Lecter drugs and kidnaps her, leaving her imprisoned for years. Fuller says he would love to see Lass return in season four as a main character.
So Will Katharine Isabelle's Character Margot Verger
Katharine Isabelle’s Margot Verger is the sister of the abusive and incestuous Mason Verger. Margot is one of Dr. Lecter's patients, and her psychopathic brother gets involved in their therapy and wrapped up in Dr. Lecter's murderous plots.
At the end of season three, Margot is an empowered lesbian who has escaped her brother's grip and is in a relationship with Caroline Dhavernas's Dr. Alana Bloom. If season four comes about, Fuller wants Margot to figure more prominently into the narrative.
Showrunner Bryan Fuller Wants The Rights To Silence Of The Lambs
Much of what will happen in the Hannibal revival rests on whether or not Fuller and his team can get the rights to Harris's novel The Silence of the Lambs. This is why Clarice Starling, the novel's main character, never appeared in Hannibal.
Fuller remains dedicated to making it happen. "I absolutely do hope and would love to tell Silence of the Lambs with this cast," Fuller shared in an interview, which he hopes to integrate into the series's more contemporaneous setting.
Fuller Is Interested In Casting A Black Woman As FBI Agent Clarice Starling
If he is able to land the rights to The Silence of the Lambs, Fuller is full of exciting ideas. He has a few ideas about how to characterize Clarice Starling, most famously played by Jodie Foster in Jonathan Demme's 1990 film.
Fuller thinks it would be compelling to cast a black woman as Starling, who grew up a poor Southerner in the novel. Going this route would reimagine Starling in a way unique to Fuller's Hannibal.
He Isn't Opposed To Sticking With Traditional Characterizations Of Starlings, Either
Fuller also imagines his Starling as an Ellen Page type – a quirky, intellectual white woman. This characterization is more in line with tradition, which Fuller isn't opposed to following.
That being said, Hannibal has a reputation for taking these well-known characters into new territory. Casting male reporter Freddy Lounds as a woman is just one example of this.
Lee Pace Is Rumored To Play Serial Killer Buffalo Bill
Fuller worked with actor Lee Pace in his cult dark comedy series Pushing Daisies, which was also canceled after only two seasons. Over Hannibal's run, Fuller stayed in contact with Pace to find a role in the series for him.
It didn't work out during the first three seasons due to Pace's other commitments. That being said, Fuller has an iconic role in mind for Pace in the future: serial killer Buffalo Bill, played by Ted Levine in Demme's film.
Fuller Hopes To Include Flashbacks To Hannibal's Early Days As A Psychiatrist
In The Silence of the Lambs, Dr. Lecter reveals he once treated a man whose lover would go on to become Buffalo Bill. In order to showcase Dr. Lecter's relationship with this patient, Benjamin Raspail, Fuller would like to include flashbacks to Dr. Lecter's early days as a psychiatrist.
Exploring Dr. Lecter's early days in season four has the potential to provide more insight into his pathology, which is hinted at in the previous seasons.
The Revival Is Likely To Come On A Streaming Service Instead Of A Network
It will likely be some time before Hannibal returns, but Fuller is researching all the ways to release a new season to the public. In lieu of going back to network television, Fuller seems to be moving toward using a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu.
This wouldn't be the first time a canceled television show was revived by a streaming service. If it worked for Twin Peaks, it will work for Hannibal.
Instead Of A Another Season, Fuller May Make A Feature Film
Another option for Fuller is to make a Hannibal movie instead of another episodic season. At one point, Fuller was seeking financing for a film, but updates have been scant.
However it comes about, fans are desperate for more Hannibal. They will take whatever they can get.