‘Hannibal’ Season 2 Spoilers: What Major Book Villain Might Make an Appearance?

NBC 'Hannibal' creator Bryan Fuller laid out long ago that his dark and delicious take on the iconic character would essentially follow the path traced out by Thomas Harris' novels over the course of seven seasons, a few rights issues not withstanding. Still, as our second course prepares to premiere in late February, we've learned of one majorly exciting new pair to potentially appear late in the season...

You're warned of spoilers for the literary Hannibal Lecter series, and potentially NBC's take as well, but it seems the second season will at least set up a major character presence from the collection of author Thomas Harris, one which we've previously seen brought to life (grotesquely) by Gary Oldman in Ridley Scott's 2001 adaptation: Mason Verger!

As reported by TVLine (without the spoilerly implications), the second season will at least introduce Mason's sister Margot as a patient of Hannibal's, with one important twist for NBC's take:

Toward the end of Season 2, we will meet the recurring character of Margot, a patient of Dr. Lecter’s who has issues stemming from her serial killer twin brother’s abuse of her. (In fact, she once tried to kill her kin in retaliation!) So who, of course, will this broken women strike up a romance with? Yep — Will.

Those familiar with the canon will remember that Mason's sister Margot first appeared in the 'Hannibal' novel, taking place some time after the events of Lecter's incarceration and escape, by which time Margot had undergone stark changes from her initial role as Hannibal's patient. Hannibal himself had plenty of story with Mason as well, though it remains to be seen if the character will actually appear in season 2, or if the history will unfold any differently.

Elsewhere, series creator Bryan Fuller tweeted out a photo confirming Raul Esparza’s return to ‘Hannibal’ season 2 as Dr. Frederick Chilton, while ‘X-Files‘ vet Gillian Anderson will reprise her role as Hannibal’s own therapist, Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier, as will Eddie Izzard as Dr. Abel Gideon. Along with confirmed season 2 roles for ‘Sex and the City’ vet Cynthia Nixon and ‘Homeland‘ player Martin Donovan, Fuller previously expressed a desire to cast ‘Pushing Daisies’ alumni Lee Pace, Kristin Chenoweth, Anna Friel and Chi McBride, along with music icon David Bowie as Hannibal’s uncle, though nothing has been confirmed.

We're salivating more than ever for 'Hannibal''s second season premiere on February 28, but what say you? Are you happy to see Bryan Fuller keeping to a bit of canon, or would you prefer the Vergers wait until a third season? How will poor Will get out of incarceration, in the first place? Stay tuned for the latest on NBC's 'Hannibal,' and give us your predictions in the comments!