"The rights to various characters in the Hannibal Lecter novels created by Thomas Harris are bizarrely divided between several different companies and people. The characters who originated in the novel The Silence of the Lambs, such as Clarice Starling, Jame Gumb, Barney Matthews, and Paul Krendler are owned by MGM. According to Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller, speaking in an interview with Collider, the Dino de Laurentiis Company owns the rights to Hannibal Lecter himself, while Gaumont International Television owns the rights to the rest of the characters included in the Hannibal television show. Additionally, Thomas Harris owns the rights to any character that originated in either Hannibal or Hannibal Rising...

The fact that the rights to the characters within the Hannibal franchise are split between various companies is one of the reasons to explain why Hannibal is yet to receive a season 4. Bryan Fuller had planned for Hannibal season 4 to cover the events of The Silence of the Lambs. However, the ongoing rights issues between various companies continue to stop Hannibal season 4 at every turn. Without the ability to use any of The Silence of the Lambs' characters, including Clarice Starling, it is simply impossible for Hannibal season 4 to happen..."