NBC has officially ordered a series based upon novelist Thomas Harris’ unforgettable creation, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Hannibal will be a modern update on Harris’ novel and the subsequent film, Red Dragon. The show will follow the beginning of Lecter’s relationship with FBI agent Will Graham, before Lecter was exposed as a serial killer himself. Obviously, if the series is successful, there is the chance that the show may delve into the material presented in the Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal films.
Pushing Daisies creator Bryan Fuller wrote the pilot script for the series and will also act as executive producer for the show. Fuller is also known for creating creative and visually striking shows like Wonderfalls and Dead Like Me. Fuller officially announced his involvement in the project last September and NBC’s interest was piqued shortly after.
Hannibal received a unusual straight-to-series pickup. The decision was based mostly on NBC’s strong reaction to Fuller’s pilot script. It also didn’t hurt that the series also has the international backing of Gaumont International Television; which will ensure that the series will also be broadcast worldwide.
The first season of Hannibal is expected to be 13 episodes long and is supposed to be ready for the fall of 2012 premiere season.
Fuller is also currently working on a revival of The Munsters on NBC, recently renamed Mockingbird Lane, which has been delayed and pushed out of contention for the fall of 2012 in order to “give it extra attention.” This opens up Fuller’s availability for a push forward with Hannibal.
