HOLLYWOOD - Edward Norton is in negotiations with Universal Pictures to star in Red Dragon, a new adaptation of the 1981 Thomas Harris novel considered to be the prequel to The Silence of the Lambs, reports Reuters.Anthony Hopkins is in final talks to reprise his role as cannibal Hannibal Lecter for the third time, following The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal.
Red Dragon will be adapted by the Oscar-winning The Silence of the Lambsscreenwriter Ted Tally. The film will center on a serial killer called the Red Dragon who is on loose, bringing FBI agent Will Graham (Norton) out of retirement to catch the killer.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Emily Watson will play Reba, a blind woman with whom the vicious Red Dragon works.
Red Dragon is being produced by Dino and Martha De Laurentis, and will be helmed by Brett Ratner.
Oscar-nominee Edward Norton was nominated for best actor for his role in American History X and for supporting actor for his role in Primal Fear. Norton is currently starring in Paramount Pictures'The Score and will be seen in Warner Bros.' upcoming Death to Smoochy.
Red Dragon's production is slated to begin at the end of November in time for a summer 2002 release.