The second season of Bryan Fuller's NBC 'Hannibal' ended in such a way as to leave the third season hanging in dire straits, with a difficult guessing game of who survived to hunt the good Dr. Lecter another day. And while Laurence Fishburne's involvement with ABC's 'Black-Ish' made Jack Crawford among the more questionable survivals, Fishburne confirms he will return for 'Hannibal' season 3, albeit in a slightly different role.

You're warned of major spoilers for 'Hannibal' season 2 from here on out, but despite teasing as far back as the premiere that Jack Crawford would lose an exorbitant amount of blood in trying to catch Hannibal Lecter, it seems Jack may have survived the bloodbath of season 2 finale "Mizumono." Speaking at the TCA press panel in promotion of his role on ABC sitcom 'Black-Ish,' Fishburne confirmed that Jack would indeed be present for season 3, though perhaps in a somewhat diminished role:

I'm not going to do a full season of 'Hannibal' this year, and I'm not going to do a full season of 'Black-ish,' which will keep me free enough for both, to have fun and to contribute as best I can. It's not a problem. It works out just fine.

Despite diverging somewhat from the Thomas Harris novels, season 3 of NBC's 'Hannibal' will find Will Graham and the other survivors hunting down Dr. Lecter abroad, while the story culls from history established in the 'Hannibal' and 'Hannibal Rising' novels, including an appearance from the Hannibal's aunt, Lady Murasaki. Thus far, series creator Fuller has been vocal about securing Gillian Anderson for the third season, but little has been confirmed of her character Bedelia Du Maurier's potential return.

It'll be awhile yet before 'Hannibal' season 3 comes to NBC's table in 2015, though we'll be on hand with cast and crew at Comic-Con 2014, so tell us what 'Hannibal' season 3 secrets you want exposed in the comments!

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