Hannibal’s Bryan Fuller: Talks in Progress on Saving the Show

Fannibals everywhere were distraught earlier this week to learn that NBC didn’t have the guts to keep Hannibal going, but efforts by fans and crew alike to save the show have gone into full swing. Showrunner Bryan Fuller has some thoughts on their prospects, and they sound as promising as we could hope for at this point.

Speaking to Deadline, Fuller said that it’s currently a tossup whether or not the show will manage a return after the remaining 10 episodes of its third season air. However, if it doesn’t happen, it won’t be for lack of trying—talks between the producers and potential distributors are already in progress. He said,

I would say 50/50. Because I’ve been down this road before and there’s that brief wave of “Oh it could be possible” and then it just doesn’t happen. But it feels like the way this particular show is set up there is potential for a deal to be done. I know conversations are being had. It’s just a matter if they can come to an agreement that is mutually beneficial to the studio and the distributor.

But just what is the network that’ll pick Hannibal up? Fuller didn’t say, but it sounds like—as fans have already assumed—it’ll have to be Amazon, the current streaming rights holder to the show, based on his comments about what an obstacle those rights would be for bringing the show to Netflix:

Netflix has been great in expressing their enthusiasm for the show but it’s just not feasible for them to pick it up. The deal with Amazon, I believe, precludes other streaming services. So that wouldn’t give Netflix what they need as a distributor in terms of first rights, etc.

So right now, it’s going to be a long waiting game for everyone if even Fuller doesn’t know what the future holds. His other commitments, notably to the American Gods adaptation, will factor into the conversation, but he stressed that all things are edible possible:

That will be part of the discussion if there is a new partner to be had for Hannibal—how to accommodate my dedication to American Gods.

…

Absolutely all mountains can be moved if enough people are willing to put their shoulders to it—with the caveat of if they want to.

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Dan Van Winkle

Dan Van Winkle (he) is an editor and manager who has been working in digital media since 2013, first at now-defunct Geekosystem (RIP), and then at The Mary Sue starting in 2014, specializing in gaming, science, and technology. Outside of his professional experience, he has been active in video game modding and development as a hobby for many years. He lives in North Carolina with Lisa Brown (his wife) and Liz Lemon (their dog), both of whom are the best, and you will regret challenging him at Smash Bros.

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