Hannibal creator wants Zendaya as Clarice Starling in Silence of the Lambs reboot

Bryan Fuller, the creator of NBC’s acclaimed psychological horror series Hannibal, has expressed interest in casting Zendaya as Clarice Starling in a new adaptation of The Silence of the Lambs.

Fuller revealed the idea during an interview with ScreenRant at the Toronto International Film Festival while promoting his latest film Dust Bunny.

The Hannibal series, which aired from 2013 to 2015, was based on Thomas Harris’ novels Red Dragon (1981), Hannibal (1999), and Hannibal Rising (2006). The show introduced viewers to Mads Mikkelsen’s chilling portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, earning critical acclaim before ending after three seasons.

Clarice Starling, one of Harris’ most iconic characters, is best known from The Silence of the Lambs. The role was famously played by Jodie Foster, whose performance won her an Academy Award, and later by Julianne Moore and Rebecca Breeds in other adaptations. Fuller noted that Zendaya’s talent and presence would bring a new dimension to the role in a potential reboot or limited series.

“My dream project is to do a limited series of Silence of the Lambs with Mads and Zendaya as Clarice Starling,” Fuller said, adding that if he could launch any new show, this would be the one.

While no official project has been announced, Fuller’s comments reignite discussions about the future of Hannibal and the possibility of revisiting Harris’ novels on television. A reboot with Zendaya could introduce the franchise to a new generation while continuing the legacy of Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling’s complex dynamic.