Tim Curry Reveals Deep Regret Over Missing Hannibal Lecter Role in ‘Silence of the Lambs’

Veteran actor Tim Curry, renowned for his chilling portrayals of villains across film, television and theater, has shared one of his biggest career disappointments: he desperately wanted to play Hannibal Lecter in the 1991 psychological thriller “The Silence of the Lambs” but was never even considered for the part.

In a candid interview with The Academy’s YouTube channel, released earlier this month and gaining renewed attention in February 2026 amid discussions of his memoir “Vagabond,” the 79-year-old Curry reflected on his five-decade career. He singled out the iconic cannibalistic psychiatrist role, originated by Anthony Hopkins, as a missed opportunity that still lingers.

“One of my great regrets is that I read the script of ‘Silence of the Lambs’ and I desperately wanted to play Hannibal Lecter,” Curry said. “My agent couldn’t get me in the room, but Tony Hopkins did a great job.”

The admission highlights Curry’s affinity for complex, menacing characters — a specialty that has defined his legacy. From the flamboyant mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) to the terrifying Pennywise the Dancing Clown in Stephen King’s “It” miniseries (1990), Curry has built a reputation for infusing villains with charisma, menace and dark humor. His voice work, including Scar in early considerations for Disney’s “The Lion King” (1994, ultimately voiced by Jeremy Irons) and other animated antagonists, further cements his status as a go-to for sinister roles.

Curry’s revelation about Lecter comes at a time when he’s been more open about his life and career. Following a severe stroke in 2012 that left him with partial paralysis and speech challenges, Curry has made rare public appearances and released his memoir “Vagabond” in late 2025. The book and recent interviews, including one with The Academy hosted in a discussion format, offer glimpses into his process and regrets.

Hopkins’ performance as Lecter earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor and became one of cinema’s most enduring villains, known for his calm demeanor, intellectual brilliance and chilling politeness. Curry acknowledged the role’s perfect fit for Hopkins while expressing personal longing to explore the character’s psychological depth.

“It’s so easy for me to see that Anthony would be brilliant in it,” Curry added in the interview clip, which has circulated widely on social media and fan forums. “But I read the script early, and I thought, ‘This is something I could really sink my teeth into’ — no pun intended.”

The “Silence of the Lambs” script, adapted by Ted Tally from Thomas Harris’ novel, attracted top talent. Director Jonathan Demme initially considered actors like Sean Connery (who declined) and others before settling on Hopkins, whose audition reportedly sealed the part quickly. Curry’s agent at the time couldn’t secure an audition, underscoring the competitive nature of high-profile casting in the early 1990s.

Fans have long speculated about Curry in villainous roles he never played. He auditioned for the Joker in “Batman: The Animated Series” (ultimately voiced by Mark Hamill) and was considered for parts in films like “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (as a burglar) and even early talks for “Jurassic Park.” In the same Academy interview, Curry touched on other near-misses, including animated and live-action opportunities that slipped away.

Despite the regrets, Curry’s body of work remains formidable. His portrayal of Pennywise terrified a generation, while his turn as the Lord of Darkness in Ridley Scott’s “Legend” (1985) showcased elaborate makeup and commanding presence. Roles in “Clue” (1985) as the eccentric Wadsworth and “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996) as Long John Silver added comedic flair to his villain repertoire.

Recent coverage, including pieces in the New York Post and Yahoo Entertainment published Feb. 8-10, 2026, amplified Curry’s comments, with headlines emphasizing the “great regret” angle. Social media reactions poured in, with fans praising what Curry might have brought to Lecter — a blend of theatricality and quiet menace that could have rivaled Hopkins’ subtlety.

Curry’s health updates remain positive in recent years; he uses a wheelchair but continues to engage with fans through voice work and selective interviews. His memoir details the stroke’s impact and his resilience, offering context to why such reflections resonate now.

The Lecter revelation serves as a reminder of Hollywood’s “what ifs” — roles that define legacies yet sometimes go to others. For Curry, the part represents untapped potential in a career already packed with unforgettable antagonists.

As fans revisit “The Silence of the Lambs” and Curry’s classics, his honest admission adds another layer to his enduring appeal: even icons have dreams that didn’t come true.