The producer of HANNIBAL insists JULIANNE MOORE is a better CLARICE STARLING than original actress JODIE FOSTER.

DINO DE LAURENTIIS (corr) claims he's pleased Foster turned down the lead in the sequel to THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS because Moore was better in the legendary role. Foster turned down the chance because she reportedly didn't agree with the way her character develops in the sequel.

But De Laurentiis claims it's for the best, adding, "After two minutes of seeing Julianne in the movie, you don't think about anyone else because Julianne, you realise, is better for Hannibal than anyone else. "Clarice needs sex appeal, a stronger power and a different mentality as the film is 10 years on from the first - so Julianne is definitely better for the role." (MB/WN/MCM)

Source: WENN