Why did Gene Hackman drop out of Silence of the Lambs? Actor was slated to direct and star in 1991 Oscar-winning film

The French Connection actor Gene Hackman was reportedly found dead along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and a dog at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on February 26, 2025.

According to the police authorities, the cause of the death is unclear, and no foul play was suspected. However, according to a report in the BBC, the case is under investigation.

The death of the legendary actor has prompted us to reflect on his career, which includes pivotal moments like his withdrawal from the 1991 film Silence of the Lambs, which was based on the 1988 psychological novel by Thomas Harris.

As per a report in Empire magazine, as reported by Collider, initially he was interested in the film; he reportedly purchased the rights to the novel alongside Orion Pictures. He intended to not only star but also direct the project but eventually decided to drop out due to concerns about the dark and violent nature of the story.

The first factor, according to a report in Empire magazine, was Hackman’s previous film, Mississippi Burning, which dealt with heavy and intense subject matter. He reportedly felt uneasy about following it up with another dark role, as Hannibal Lecter.

The second factor, according to Deadline, was that his daughter strongly disapproved of him making the movie. She reportedly called up her father and said, “Daddy, you’re not making this movie.” This influenced Hackman’s decision to withdraw from the film.

The role of Hannibal Lecter eventually went to Anthony Hopkins. So, how were the other cast members decided? Let’s delve deeper to reflect on the Oscar-winning film, which won many accolades.

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Here is everything you need to know about the cast of Silence of the Lambs

According to a report in Deadline, Gene Hackman’s departure from the 1991 classic Silence of The Lambs paved the way for Jonathan Demme to take over as the director.

When Orion Pictures approached Demme to direct the film, he agreed after he read Thomas Harris’ novel. At the time, Demme had gained recognition for his diverse and humanistic films like Something Wild and Married to the Mob.

“He sent me the book, The Silence of the Lambs. It was all there. This brilliant novelist Thomas Harris, at the peak of his powers, telling this classic American story, with this great leading woman part. I was like, ‘Oh my God, yes.’” Demme told Deadline.

Reportedly, Ted Tally continued to write the screenplay even after Hackman left the film. In his view, Jodie Foster was the right choice to portray the character of Clarice Starling.

“She had the right intelligence to play somebody like that. I thought she was just a fabulous, fabulous actress..” Tally recalls, as per Deadline.

He mentioned that Demme initially wanted Michelle Pfeiffer to play the role, as they worked together in Married to the Mob.

“I said, she’s too beautiful. She initially toyed with the idea, and then turned it down, worried that it was too violent. She’s a wonderful actress but I thought she was a few years too old and just too beautiful. It’s too distracting.” Tally added.

Tally mentioned that he was always interested in casting Tony Hopkins (Anthony Hopkins) for the role of Dr. Lecter, as he was impressed by his performance in the play Equus and William Goldman’s film Magic. Their initial choice for the character was Sean Connery, but he turned down the script as he thought it was “disgusting.”

The Silence of the Lambs won a total of 71 awards and received 50 nominations, according to IMDb. It won five Academy Awards in 1992 for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Additionally, it won two BAFTAs and one Golden Globe, among other awards.

The film grossed 275 million worldwide against a budget of 20 million, as stated in a report in The Numbers.