Silence of the Lambs prequel to start production

The prequel to The Silence of the Lambs could begin production as early as September.

Producer Dino de Laurentiis has revealed he received a copy of the script for Red Dragon from Ted Tally last week.

De Laurentiis hopes to be able to begin filming in the autumn.

The film will be the prequel to both Hannibal and the first film and is based on Thomas Harris's original novel.

The book was previously made into a film in 1986 which starred Brian Cox as Hannibal Lecter.

According to reports, little else is known about Tally's version of the film.

He also wrote the screenplay to The Silence of the Lambs.

It is thought Anthony Hopkins will reprise his role in the film.