Based on the best selling series by Thomas Harris, Bryan Fuller’s NBC series Hannibal returns in spring of 2015.  With, apparently, a casting change.

Made popular by the films starring Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins, the NBC series chronicles the early days of Dr. Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and his budding friendship/partnership with FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy).  We have thus far been introduced to several of the literary characters brought to life by Laurence Fishburne (Director Jack Crawford), Lara Jean Chorostecki (Freddie Lounds), Dr. Chilton (Raúl Esparza), and Mason Verger (Michael Pitt).

BUT, it would appear that Michael Pitt (Boardwalk Empire) will NOT be returning to season 3 as Verger, and that Joe Anderson (Across the Universe) will be taking over the role.  (If you’ve seen Hannibal the film, Verger was played by Oscar winner Gary Oldman.)  TVLine reports the departure was Pitt’s choice, and are still unclear as to why Michael left the series.

The cast and crew are currently in Florence, Italy filming for season 3, which could mean more content from the second novel in the series, titled “Hannibal”, which centers largely in the beautiful city.

What do you guys think?  Did you like Michael as Mason, or are you looking forward to Joe’s take?  Let us know in the comments!