Just a couple of weeks after landing an unspecified role as the villain in Thor 2, Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale, Valhalla Rising) has scored another role bringing one of the most iconic movie villains of the ’90s to the small screen. According to Deadline, Mikkelsen will lead NBC’s upcoming series Hannibal, where he will play the serial killer Dr. Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter. The character has been previously played by Anthony Hopkins, Brian Cox and most recently by Gaspard Ulliel in the prequel Hannibal Rising. Will Mikkelsen be able to overcome the memory of these other performances and make the character his own?

The series is one of two in development right now based on the novels by Thomas Harris; Lifetime is also making Clarice, a similar show focusing on the character played by Jodie Foster. In this case, Mikkelsen will act opposite Hugh Dancy (Confessions of a Shopaholic) who plays FBI agent Will Graham. Hannibal is being headed up by Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daises) with David Slade (30 Days of Night) directing the pilot.

Mikkelsen is definitely an interesting choice to play Hannibal, and one that might make people take a bit more interest in the show. His performance as Le Chiffre in Casino Royale proved that he can be both refined and charming while also hiding a more sinister side. I am a bit surprised they didn’t go with an unknown for the role, but I suppose to a lot of viewers he will be. What do you think, is Mads Mikkelsen a good choice for Hannibal and does this make you more interested in watching the show?