Though it received a feature follow-up in the form of Ridley Scott’s Hannibal in 2001, Jonathan Demme’s positively-iconic thriller The Silence of the Lambs will be getting a small-screen sequel in Clarice, a new series coming to CBS.
Written and executive produced by Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet, Clarice will focus on Jodie Foster’s character in Lambs following her encounter with everyone’s favorite cannibal. Though Hannibal picked up the character where the source novels by Thomas Harris continued her story, Hannibal in 2001 saw Julianne Moore take up the role of Clarice Starling.
Kurtzman and Lumet are co-showrunners on The Man Who Fell to Earth, the CBS All Access series based upon the Walter Devis book and Nicolas Roeg film that starred David Bowie. Clarice’s Clarice has not yet been cast, with a pilot script written and the plan to produce a first episode in motion, with the expectation of a series order. Hannibal Lecter is reportedly not expected to make an appearance, though one wonders whether the good doctor could serve as a major, shocking moment in the story.
Fans of NBC’s series Hannibal might still be crestfallen after the Mads Mikkelson-led cult favorite’s cancellation some years ago, though perhaps Clarice can capture some of that atmosphere should it be picked up for the long haul. And if the show happens and if Mr Lecter makes an appearance… maybe Mads can ride again?
‘Silence Of The Lambs’ Sequel Series ‘Clarice’ Set At CBS From Alex Kurtzman & Jenny Lumet [Deadline]