“Manhunter” Actor Brian Cox Says His Version of Dr. Hannibal Lecter ls ‘Totally Different’ from Anthony Hopkins’ Portrayal

Tereza ShkurtajSat, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 PM UTC

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Brian Cox (left); Anthony Hopkins (right).Credit: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage; Daniele Venturelli/Getty -

In a recent interview, Brian Cox said his version of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter was more subtle and mysterious than Anthony Hopkins’ rendition in The Silence of the Lambs

The 79-year-old actor believes the two portrayals are “totally different kinds of performances”

Cox also explained that Thomas Harris’ character is scariest when he feels socially acceptable to the audience

When Brian Cox stepped into the role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in 1986's Manhunter, he had little sense that the character would later become one of cinema’s most enduring villains.

Several years later, in 1991, Anthony Hopkins brought his own take to Thomas Harris’ infamous character in The Silence of the Lambs.

Reflecting on the contrast, Cox recently spoke to Woman’s World about how he believes the two portrayals were “two totally different kinds of performances.”

Anthony Hopkins in 'The Silence of the Lambs.'Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock

“When I did it, it was a small movie and a great movie to do with a wonderful director,” the 79-year-old Scottish actor told the outlet. “That’s what was cool about the project. Tony did it and it’s really a different character; a different take. It’s a whole different feel with the kind of gothic horror that Jonathan Demme created.”

Building on that distinction, Cox explained that his version of Lecter was shaped by what the audience doesn’t see. Rather than constructing an elaborate backstory, he focused on the character’s unknowable qualities.

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“He was very much a kind of mystery man,” Cox said, noting that Lecter’s power came from that sense of ambiguity and the lack of a clearly defined past, aside from what might have existed between him and FBI profiler Will Graham.

The Succession actor also approached the role with the belief that true fear comes from familiarity, not exaggeration. “You know, it’s so easy to play people as bogeymen… but the thing that’s scary about someone is how acceptable they are,” he explained.

Cox added that moments of violence should feel sudden and efficient, highlighting that when Lecter attacks, “it happens very fast… in those moments he’s very dangerous, but on the whole he has to be acceptable in terms of society at large.”

Brian Cox in 'Manhunter.'Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock

Looking back, Cox remains surprised by the legacy of the film and his role in it. What began as just another gig gradually developed into a devoted following.

“It’s become a franchise now, and I don’t know if I’ve ever wanted to be part of a franchise,” Cox told Woman’s World. “I’m an actor. I like playing different roles and I don’t think I’d like to be stuck playing Hannibal Lecter forever. That being said, the film has gained a life of its own, which is okay by me.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”