5 Movie Characters Who Improved After Recasting (And 5 Who Didn't)

Clarice Starling wasn't the only recast role in the "Harris-verse". Surprising to many, 1986's Manhunter was actually the first on-screen appearance of Hannibal Lecter. Renowned actor Brian Cox portrayed the cannibalistic doctor with all the gravitas he typically brings to his roles. He could have never known that Anthony Hopkin's turn as the evil psychiatrist would reduce his version to little more than a cinematic afterthought.

Manhunter, an adaptation of Thomas Harris' 1981 novel Red Dragon, was released in 1986 to little acclaim. The underrated movie, also starring William Pederson of CSI, was a faithful telling of the novel. Brian Cox has stated that he based his portrayal on Scottish serial killer Peter Manuel, because he "didn't have a sense of right and wrong."

In just five short years after Manhunter, The Silence of the Lambs cemented Anthony Hopkins' status as being synonymous with the man-eating doctor. Hannibal Lecter halloween costumes began flying off of shelves, and "Hello, Clarice" became a part of the cultural lexicon.

Appearing on-screen for a mere 16 minutes, Hopkins performance in The Silence of the Lambs was so strong that he was awarded Best Actor by the Academy in 1992. The public has never viewed liver and Chianti the same way since.