I have seen the films and prequel, yet did not realize how Anthony Hopkins hams the role until I saw the series. Mads Mikkleson as Lecter is superb, carrying the caché and sophistication of an educated serial killer which can not be touched. The script aides the story of Hannibal sufficiently to create the most superlative of series. It may seem too artistic to some, yet the character is exemplified within this series and it is a pity that the same could not have been done to a prequel, which if made in the same style, would certainly explore the origins of such a person as Hannibal in a similar way. Gillian Anderson is well cast as the therapist and wife of the anti-hero, as is Lawrence Fishburne as his FIB opposite. Hugh Dancy is excellent as savant Will, somewhat autistic yet able to empathise and attain the mind of Hannibal. And the production is also amazing, rich in culture and location. The first two series are amazing and well paced. The third is a little slow until they were told the fourth would not happen, then accelerates to create an excellent finish. So wait until episode 4 in series 3 for it to switch up a gear. The cast, photography and story is beyond words, bringing the true Hannibal Lecter to life. The films, save Hannibal Rising, are nothing compared to the series which has the time to explore his nature and magnificent mind. Will's role is equally explored and brings justice to the character created by Thomas Harris in a way that is brilliantly explored by the script writer. Some of the scripting is identical to the films and sometimes seems a little arty, but is matched by the quality of acting and necessity to the storytelling. In the 3 series, Mads Mikkelson owns the character of Hannibal and you cannot watch the films in the same light afterwards, as he carries the character well and so much better than Hopkins ever could, except maybe in the Silence of the Lambs. I urge you to watch the series and observe the brilliant marriage of art and story. Mads owns the role which was borrowed, momentarily, by Hopkins.