New Streaming Platform for Anthony Hopkins’ $209M Underrated Hannibal Lecter Sequel

As uncertainty looms over the future of the franchise, an often-overlooked adaptation centered on Hannibal Lecter is preparing to find a new audience on streaming platforms. The character’s onscreen journey began with Manhunter in 1986, directed by Michael Mann and featuring Brian Cox as the chilling killer. Based closely on the first novel, Red Dragon, this film was initially a box office failure, receiving mixed reviews, yet it has since gained a cult following.

The film that truly established the franchise’s legacy was The Silence of the Lambs, featuring Anthony Hopkins, which notably earned accolades in the horror genre by winning five Academy Awards, thus making history. Hopkins reprised his iconic role in the follow-up film Hannibal (2001), which, despite mixed critical reception, enjoyed commercial success. This was followed by another adaptation, Red Dragon (2002), and finally the less successful prequel, Hannibal Rising (2007). The series later found renewed energy with the celebrated television adaptation, starring Mads Mikkelsen.

Red Dragon Streaming on Peacock in January

Moving to New Streaming Platforms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLcI8OFyNUo

Red Dragon (2002) Original Trailer [HD] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLcI8OFyNUo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLcI8OFyNUo

Red Dragon (2002) Original Trailer [HD] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLcI8OFyNUo)

The 2002 movie Red Dragon represents a pivotal moment in the Hannibal franchise, especially following Ridley Scott’s Hannibal, which had polarized audiences with its emphasis on graphic violence rather than psychological suspense. This second adaptation of Harris’s novel returns to the late 1980s, following FBI profiler Will Graham as he attempts to apprehend the serial killer known as the Tooth Fairy, turning to Lecter for insights. Featuring performances from Edward Norton and Ralph Fiennes, Red Dragon achieved better reviews than its predecessor, though it did not match the box office success.

Now, after more than two decades since its theatrical premiere, Red Dragon is making its way to a fresh streaming home on Peacock, as reported by CBR. This transition will take place on January 1, as it moves away from its current hosting on Netflix. The franchise continues to be divided across various streaming services: Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal can be viewed on Tubi, while other adaptations are available on different platforms.

Reasons to Watch Red Dragon on Peacock

A Remarkable Performance Enhanced by a Strong Script

Although it may not be considered the pinnacle of the franchise or the finest adaptation of Harris’s 1981 novel, Red Dragon is still a compelling film to revisit as it arrives on Peacock. A key factor in this is the film’s ability to return to its roots, largely due to the involvement of writer Ted Tally, who had previously scripted The Silence of the Lambs. His return brought back a much-needed focus on suspense, particularly evident in the psychological maneuvers between Lecter and Will Graham.

Hopkins’s portrayal of Hannibal is another significant reason to watch Red Dragon. While Mads Mikkelsen delivered a formidable performance in a later television role, Hopkins expertly layers his character with a depth that captivates audiences. His chemistry with Norton’s Will creates an engaging dynamic that is enhanced by a well-crafted script, blending horror with intellectual tension to serve as an unintentional yet fitting conclusion to the trilogy.

What ScreenRant Has Said About Red Dragon:

However, the heart of the film is the relationship between Graham and Lecter, which Ed Norton and Anthony Hopkins add great nuance to. Red Dragon is a solid thriller, but, when compared to different adaptations like Manhunter or Bryan Fuller’s Hannibal which delve deeper into the characters, it sometimes falls flat. It is a fun and engaging film but does not do justice to the unique gray morality of Harris’ original story.