It has often been said that things in life have a way of coming full circle. I cite the change of seasons, the cycle of life, and relationships as an example. There is a starting point and an end, and a new beginning. Such is the case of the film, Red Dragon, by author Thomas Harris. The story began its life as a book and then was made into a film named Manhunter, and is now reborn in grand fashion as a star-studded blockbuster.

For those of you who were not aware, Red Dragon was the book that introduced Hannibal Lector and set the stage for his exploits in the books and film The Silence of The Lambs and Hannibal. Not only were the films and books hugely successful, but they also made the character of Hannibal Lecter famous and forever etched Sir Anthony Hopkins image with the doctor. The solid box office and book sales of Hannibal, despite mixed reviews, showed that despite an eleven-year layoff, audiences wanted more tales of the mad doctor. Unable to get momentum for a sequel without a new book, producer Dino DeLorentis looked to the past and decided to return Lecter to the screen in the form of a prequel by expanding upon his character in a prequel to his other tales.