Facts From a TV Junkie: 'Hannibal'

Hello all! Chances are if you're reading this it means you, much like myself, are addicted to TV. You just can't ever get enough of that small screen action! Well, I'm here to tell you that I feel your pain and would like to help you in your noble quest for TV knowledge, which is why I've taken it upon myself to create this fun, weekly feature. Every week, I will dig up new and interesting facts about a show and share them with you right here. So sit back, relax, and let the trivia madness commence!

In honor of its Friday night premiere, I thought this week it would be fitting to delve into the demented mind of NBC’s ‘Hannibal.' This psychological thriller manages to serve up several helpings of horror (with a side of pure madness) in each and every episode, as it showcases the life of our favorite cannibal in ways we’ve never seen before. (Thanks for the nightmares, Bryan Fuller!) But while you may consider yourself an expert in the Dr. Lecter-Will Graham department, there’s still plenty of savory details left to uncover. So grab some fava beans and a bottle of Chianti and let’s dig in! Bon appétit!

Did You Know:

1. The title of every episode in the first season is a French word for a meal course.

A few examples of this includes: “Coquilles,” “Sorbet,” “Fromage,” and “Trou Normand.” You get the idea. And given Dr. Lecter’s rather…um…eclectic tastes, I’d say the concept seems pretty appropriate, wouldn't you? Now, who's hungry!

2. Hugh Dancy was not Bryan Fuller’s first choice for Will Graham.

Although Dancy has done wonderful things with the role, the director had initially considered Lee Pace for the job, having worked with him once before in the series ‘Pushing Daisies.’ Obviously that arrangement didn’t end up working out, however, Fuller still hoped Pace would pop in for a guest star appearance during the show’s first season. Unfortunately the actor had to turn down the offer due to his commitments with a Broadway play. Bummer.

3. Laurence Fishburne and his on-screen wife, Gina Torres, are also married in real life.

Yet another Hollywood example of art imitating reality. The couple met while filming ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and got married in September 2002. They share a daughter, Delilah, who was born in June 2007.

4. David Tennant auditioned for the lead role of Hannibal Lecter.

Can you imagine — the Tenth Doctor resorting to a life of cannibalism? Now that would be a true crack in space and time! Tennant ended up losing the part to Mads Mikkelsen, however, Bryan Fuller has said during interviews that he was so impressed with the actor’s audition that he hopes to bring him on to guest star as a deranged serial killer sometime in the near future. Umm, yes please! We’d have seconds (and thirds and fourths) of that plot twist.

5. Hugh Dancy was the one to recommend Mads Mikkelsen for the role of Hannibal Lecter.

The two actors had become good friends while working together in the film ‘King Arthur’ and Dancy thought he’d be a perfect fit for the part of Dr. Lecter. Little did we all know at the time just how right he was. Good call, Will!

6. The show has an actual food stylist.

Her name is Janice Poon and she is a 62-year-old Toronto-based artist. Her job is to basically make those gourmet delicacies we’ve seen on the TV screen look absolutely perfect, while still keeping everything edible so the actors can consume it. Like, remember when Hannibal was shown eating what looked to be a raw human lung? That was all her handy work. (Looked pretty real, right?) Though, I wouldn't expect to see it served in any restaurant establishments anytime soon.

7. The role of Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier was originally written with Angela Lansbury in mind.

However, when Lansbury could not accept the role due to scheduling conflicts, it was rewritten for a younger actress, which led to the casting of Gillian Anderson.

8. There’s a Hulk reference in the show's first episode.

Hardcore ‘Hannibal’ fans have probably already made this connection, but when Will says the line “Don’t psychoanalyze me, you wouldn’t like me when I’m psychoanalyzed,” it’s a reference to the The Incredible Hulk’s famous “Don’t make me angry” line. Funny enough, Edward Norton, who portrayed the Hulk in the 2008 film, also happened to play Will Graham in the 2002 movie ‘Red Dragon.’

9. Show creator Bryan Fuller has a seven-year plan for the series.

He’s explained the breakdown as follows: “In the first season we have this weird bromance between Will and Hannibal, Season 2 is the nasty break up… The third season would have a fugitive angle to it, the fourth season would be ‘Red Dragon,’ the fifth season would be in the realm of ‘Silence Of The Lambs,’ and the sixth season would be ‘Hannibal.’ In the seventh season it would be interesting to see Will Graham and a Clarice Starling type character come together for an adventure with their nemesis, Hannibal Lecter.” SOLD!

I hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Facts From a TV Junkie. Check back next week for another fix!

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