Sad news, my fellow Fannibals. Is it just my love and respect for the show clouding my ability to believe that no one wants to distribute a fourth season of Hannibal? Is it that I’m missing some key component of Amazon’s exclusive streaming deal that does not naturally lead to Amazon hosting the next season of the show as well? (Because lord knows Amazon’s slate of original programming could use this kind of a boost).
But indeed, Deadline is reporting that the show’s cast and crew have been released from their contracts. Now, in addition to other stumbling blocks towards making a Hannibal Season 4, new contract deals would have to be negotiated with stars Hugh Dancy and Mad Mikkelsen —presuming it didn’t interfere with their other potential upcoming projects. (Deadline also notes, though, that both Dancy and Mikkelsen love the show and their roles, and would look forward to an opportunity to return).
Showrunner Bryan Fuller, who has been asked non-stop about Hannibal’s possible next season, also seems to be shifting his focus instead to American Gods. Though he said recently that a fourth season of Hannibal wouldn’t interfere with his co-showrunning American Gods, he told Deadline that,
The question would be for the potential new distribution partner is how comfortable they are in waiting. Because I do have an obligation to American Gods and a passion for American Gods, so I absolutely want to service that in the way that it needs to be serviced.
Hmmm. So far, Laurence Fishburne is the first cast member to line up a new gig, with a starring role in A&E’s Roots remake. And Game of Thrones fans, is our dream of Mads Mikkelsen as Euron Greyjoy now a possibility?
Still, it’s truly sad and disappointing that Hannibal Season 4 is pretty unlikely at this point, even though Fuller still seems to hope for a movie (how many times have we heard that over the years, though? Where’s the Deadwood movie, HBO?!) Fuller concluded by saying,
So, to go back a bit, absolutely there’s a version of me that would be comfortable with it being the final season. It’s ready to be over if it needs to be. If the stars align and we’re able to find a new home for Hannibal and work around my schedule with American Gods, then that would be amazing as well. I would never want to disappoint the Fannibals and I always want to give them as much of the show as possible. But I also “surrender to destiny,” to quote Jaye Tyler from Wonderfalls.
