Raul Esparza to Recur on New NBC Drama HANNIBAL

As first reported on TVLine.com, Broadway vet Raul Esparza will join the cast of NBC's upcoming drama HANNIBAL, based on characters from Thomas Harris' novel 'Red Dragon.' The actor will portray Lechter's jailer 'Dr. Chilton,' played in the 1986 Hollywood film 'Manhunter' by actor Benjamin Hendrickson and Anthony Heald in the sequels The Silence of the Lambs and Red Dragon.

The actor will reunite with 'Pushing Daisy's executive producer Brian Fuller on the project. In that short-lived ABC series, Esparza played traveling salesman Alfredo Aldarisio.

According to the report, Hannibal will follow "the budding relationship between FBI agent Will Graham (played by Hugh Dancy) and his mentor Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) – who are re-introduced at the beginning of their budding relationship." The series is scheduled to air midseason with Esparza appearing in at least two episodes.  

Since making his Broadway debut, Esparza has become only the second actor to receive Tony nominations in all four eligible acting categories. Most recently he took on the role of con artist Jonas Nightingale in the Broadway musical adaptation of “Leap of Faith” directed by Christopher Ashley. Esparza’s TV credits include "Law & Order," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Pushing Daisies” and “A Gifted Man.”

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.

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