This Day in Horror History: RED DRAGON Was Released in 2002

The prequel to The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Hannibal (2001), Red Dragon was released on this day in 2002. Directed by Brett Ratner and based on the novel by Thomas Harris, Red Dragon features powerhouse performances from Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, and Ralph Fiennes.

If it’s been a while, or if you’ve yet to experience the intensity of Red Dragon, give the trailer and synopsis a spin below.

Synopsis:
Ex-FBI agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) is an expert investigator who quit the Bureau after almost losing his life in the process of capturing the elusive Dr. Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). After a series of particularly grisly murders, Graham soon realizes that the best way to catch this killer, known as the Tooth Fairy, is to find a way to get inside the killer’s mind. For Graham, that means confronting his past and facing his former nemesis, the now-incarcerated Lecter.

Trivia:
Sir Anthony Hopkins stated that one of his goals in playing Dr. Hannibal Lecter for a final time was to re-establish that he is an evil serial killer, as Hopkins believed Hannibal had come to be seen too much as a likable anti-hero by audiences. (Source)

Sir Anthony Hopkins (Dr. Hannibal Lecter), Anthony Heald (Dr. Frederick Chilton), and Frankie Faison (Barney Matthews) all reprised their roles from earlier movies in the franchise. Faison is the only one to have appeared in the first four Thomas Harris “Hannibal” adaptations, having also appeared in Manhunter (1986) in a different role. (Source)

Will Graham (Edward Norton) appears in only four scenes with Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Sir Anthony Hopkins) in this movie, the same number of scenes Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) shared with Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). (Source)

Are you a fan of Red Dragon? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.

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