After more than 28 years since The Silence of the Lambs had its theatrical release in 1991, CBS has officially announced that they have given a series commitment to the award-winning thriller film’s sequel series titled Clarice, which will continue to follow Clarice Starling after the events of author Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel The Silence of the Lambs. The titular character was first portrayed by Jodie Foster, who won her second Academy Award for Best Actress for her memorable performance in the film.
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Set in 1993, a year after the events of “The Silence of the Lambs,” Clarice is a deep dive into the untold personal story of FBI Agent Clarice Starling as she returns to the field to pursue serial murderers and sexual predators while navigating the high stakes political world of Washington, D.C.
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The original film was directed by Jonathan Demme (Rachel Getting Married) from a screenplay adapted by Ted Tally. Its starred Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins in their iconic roles as Clarice Starling and Dr. Hannibal Lecter. On top of its critical and commercial success with over $270 million gross worldwide, the film swept the top 5 major categories at the 64th Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor and Actress for Foster and Hopkins’ incredible performances. The role of Clarice Starling was taken over by Julianne Moore in Ridley Scott’s 2001 sequel Hannibal, and should the Hannibal tv series have continued producer Bryan Fuller wanted to cast Ellen Page as Starling.
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The series will be written and executive produced by frequent collaborators Alex Kurtzman (Star Trek: Discovery) and Jenny Lumet, who are both also currently working together on CBS All Access’ upcoming series The Man Who Fell to Earth.
“After more than 20 years of silence, we’re privileged to give voice to one of America’s most enduring heroes – Clarice Starling,” Kurtzman and Lumet said in a joint statement. “Clarice’s bravery and complexity have always lit the way, even as her personal story remained in the dark. But hers is the very story we need today: her struggle, her resilience, her victory. Her time is now, and always.”
The project is co-production between MGM and CBS Television Studios in association with Secret Hideout. Heather Kadin of Secret Hideout and will also serve as executive producers.
