Bryan Fuller's Hannibal, the upcoming TV series based on the Thomas Harris novels concerning Hannibal Lecter, has finally found its eponymous anti-hero. The famous cannibal psychiatrist will be played by Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, best-known for playing Le Chifre in Casino Royale, but he was also the lead in the Pusher trilogy from acclaimed director Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson, Drive).
This is an interesting choice, for sure. I was expecting them to go with someone British, which is the predictable route these things usually take. It'll be interesting to see if Mikkelsen keeps his own accent, maintaining Lecter's European heritage, or attempts that trans-Atlantic drawl Anthony Hopkins went with. Whatever he does, it's an unusual choice and Mikkelsen will certainly bring something new to the role. He's a good actor, and he has a handsomely savage look that should work well on-screen.
Hannibal will begin its 13-episode run on NBC for the 2012/13 season, with a pilot from director David Slade (Hard Candy). Mikkelsen just won Best Actor at Cannes for his performance in The Hunt, and will soon be seen as the villain in Thor 2.
