Fishburne joins 'Hannibal' cast

LOS ANGELES, July 28 (UPI) -- Laurence Fishburne is to play FBI Behavioral Sciences Unit leader Jack Crawford in the new U.S. drama series "Hannibal," said writer-producer Bryan Fuller.

Based on Thomas Harris' books, the new NBC show will focus on FBI agent Will Graham's interaction with psychiatrist-turned-serial-killer Hannibal "the cannibal" Lecter.

Hugh Dancy will play Will and Mads Mikkelsen will play Hannibal. Fishburne's Crawford will be Will's boss and mentor.

The role was previously played by Dennis Farina in "Manhunter," as well as by Scott Glenn in "The Silence of the Lambs" and Harvey Keitel in "Red Dragon."

"Laurence Fishburne is an iconic man who has been making his cinematic mark since 'Apocalypse Now' and it's a thrill not only to work with him but to see such a brilliant, sophisticated actor step into the shoes of Thomas Harris' brilliant, sophisticated character," Fuller said in a statement to EW.com. "I cannot imagine a better cast for Hannibal than the one we've assembled."

Fishburne recently led the cast of "CSI," which previously starred "Manhunter" actor William Petersen. Fishburne's film credits include "What's Love Got to Do With It," "The Matrix" trilogy and "Mystic River."