Before Anthony Hopkins, This Iconic Actor Was the Greatest Hannibal Lecter

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It’s a testament to an actor’s skill when they can deliver even a simple line – like suggesting a wine to go with beans – with the same chilling effect as a horror movie like Saw. Anthony Hopkins achieved this in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). He won an Oscar for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter, the captivating and terrifying cannibal, and created a lasting impact on American film as the character created by author Thomas Harris. While Hopkins’ performance is still highly praised decades later, it’s easy to forget that he wasn’t the first actor to play Hannibal on film.

Five years before Jodie Foster first said “Hello, Clarice” as FBI Agent Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, Brian Cox – known today as Roy from Succession – played Hannibal Lecter in a different adaptation of a Thomas Harris novel. While Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal is more famous now, Brian Cox’s performance shouldn’t be forgotten. Some even believe his Hannibal deserves a place in film history, potentially more than any actor who’s taken on the role since.

Brian Cox’s Hannibal in ‘Manhunter’ Deserves Some Well-Earned Accolades

I’m a big fan of the Hannibal Lecter story, and Michael Mann’s Manhunter from 1986 is a fascinating take on the origins of it all – it’s actually based on the book Red Dragon, which came before The Silence of the Lambs. What’s really interesting is how it connects to the Hannibal TV series; they both center around the same core character, though played by different actors like Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen. Instead of Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling, we follow Will Graham, a former FBI profiler brilliantly portrayed by William Petersen, who’s brought back into the hunt for a terrifying killer known as the Tooth Fairy. The twist? To catch him, Will has to consult with Hannibal Lecter himself – here spelled ‘Lektor’ – the very man who almost destroyed his life and forced him to retire in the first place. It’s a visually striking film, full of intense chases, unsettling imagery, and a really compelling exploration of what makes a monster – and what separates us from them.

Both Manhunter and The Silence of the Lambs share some story similarities – it’s no surprise Hannibal Lecter connects to each film’s villain. However, Brian Cox’s portrayal of Hannibal is quite distinct from Anthony Hopkins’s, largely because Cox created a completely original take on the character.

Mads Mikkelsen’s Hannibal differs significantly from Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal. Where Hopkins’ Hannibal is powerfully seductive and even unsettling, Mikkelsen creates a character who is subtly captivating, like a refined rebel. This Hannibal isn’t actively trying to charm; he’s bored with his own intelligence and treats people as mere amusements. His interest in Will Graham feels both effortless and intensely focused, almost like a calculated artistic display. As Jerome Reuter of MovieWeb observed, their relationship is like a chess match between opponents who know each other well. Mikkelsen’s more subdued performance, especially compared to Hopkins’ intensity, actually increases the tension and makes the unfolding story even more gripping.

Why Is Brian Cox’s Hannibal So Underrated?


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Why isn’t Brian Cox’s portrayal of Hannibal Lecter as celebrated as others? The main reason is probably because the movie Manhunter wasn’t a commercial or critical success. It’s generally considered a disappointment within the Hannibal Lecter story. Michael Mann’s film has a very different style from The Silence of the Lambs; Demme’s film allows for more extreme horror, while Manhunter is much more subdued and visually stark – much like Hannibal’s cold, clinical prison cell, or the sharp contrast between the pale bedroom and bloody bedding Will Graham sees at the first crime scene.

The film has developed a dedicated fanbase and received more positive reviews over time, but the director’s unusual style wasn’t initially well-received and didn’t quite work. Consider this: which cannibal feels more threatening – one calmly held in a modern jail with all the amenities, or one whose very face is covered to prevent them from harming others? The contrast highlights how the director’s choices, while interesting, ultimately fell short of their intended impact.

Brian Cox Has Said That No One Has a Sole Claim on Hannibal


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Brian Cox, who famously played Hannibal Lecter, doesn’t see the character as his own. He views Hannibal like a classic theatrical role, such as Hamlet – something that different actors interpret and make their own over time. He explained this in an interview, saying:

It didn’t really bother me when other actors took on the same roles. I feel like everyone gets a chance to play famous characters like Hamlet or Hannibal Lecter. I was the first to play those parts, but I don’t feel possessive about them. I believe in letting go and moving on to new things.

Brian Cox raises a good point. When different actors play the same famous character, it doesn’t necessarily mean one is superior. Both actors can deliver outstanding performances, each in their own way. So, when you picture Hannibal Lecter, remember Brian Cox alongside Anthony Hopkins – he deserves recognition too.

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2026-02-25 02:10