Hannibal Lecter TV show being developed

The creation of a new French television production company has shone the spotlight on a few projects it currently has in development – including a TV spin-off for Hannibal Lecter.

Gaumont International Television (GIT) is putting together a one-hour drama based on the iconic fictional serial killer.

Fans of the films Manhunter and Red Dragon (and of Thomas Harris' source novel Red Dragon ) will recognise the story of Lecter's early days, when he was tracked by FBI agent Will Graham.

There's no word if Anthony Hopkins will reprise the role, although the timing suggests it would need to be a younger actor in the same vein as Hannibal Rising .

Written by Bryan Fuller ( Pushing Daisies , Wonderfalls ), it will reuse the title of the 2001 film and simply be called Hannibal .

GIT also has a six-hour mini-series in development based on Madame Tussaud.