Blanchett Tipped For Hannibal

The much beleaguered Hannibal project has a new name attached - Cate Blanchett. The Australian actress is rumoured to be in the running for the starring role in the film adaptation of Thomas Harris' sequel to Silence of the Lambs after **Jodie Foster **recently confirmed that she would not reprise her role as FBI agent Clarice Starling. Competition for the role, opposite Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter has been fierce, but studio Universal have decided that there are only two actresses suitable for the role. Though the studio won't name the other they are said to be about to make an offer to Blanchett to play Starling, who becomes a cannibal while under Lecter's influence.