NBC has given a 13-episode order to 'Hannibal', based on Thomas Harris' novel Red Dragon.
The project, which will feature classic characters from the novel including FBI agent Will Graham and his mentor Dr. Hannibal Lecter, was ordered straight to series.
That means NBC liked the script so much it decided to send the series into development without a pilot. It will focus on the early days of Lecter's working relationship with Graham.
The series will be executive produced by 'Pushing Daisies' creator Bryan Fuller, who is already working with NBC on the 'Munsters' reboot.
Casting is currently underway on that project and a pilot is expected to be ready by June. If it's picked up, it will likely debut in January of next year.
NBC has given a 13-episode order to 'Hannibal', based on Thomas Harris' novel Red Dragon.
