What was the relationship between Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster like during the filming of "The Silence of the Lambs"?

Despite rumors of a feud, Hopkins and Foster were actually quite friendly on set, though they intentionally kept their distance to maintain the intensity of their characters.

How did Jodie Foster react to Anthony Hopkins' performance as Hannibal Lecter?

Foster was immediately struck by Hopkins' chilling portrayal, with one of the producers exclaiming "Holy Moses, Tony, what is that?" to which Foster replied, "You're scary."

What has the relationship between Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster been like since filming "The Silence of the Lambs"?

The two actors have maintained a close friendship, greeting each other with "great warmth" in the years since the film's release.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / "Silence of the Lambs" Stars Reveal Surprising On-Set Relationship

"Silence of the Lambs" Stars Reveal Surprising On-Set Relationship

15 Nov

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Summary

Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster were friendly on set, contrary to rumors
They intentionally kept distance to maintain intensity of their characters
Foster was initially "scared" of Hopkins' chilling Hannibal Lecter performance

"Silence of the Lambs" Stars Reveal Surprising On-Set Relationship

In a recent interview, acclaimed actor Anthony Hopkins has dismissed the idea that he and his "The Silence of the Lambs" co-star Jodie Foster had any kind of feud or animosity while making the iconic 1991 thriller. Hopkins explains that the two were actually quite friendly, contrary to previous reports.

While Hopkins and Foster did intentionally keep their distance during filming to maintain the intensity of their characters—with Hopkins playing the cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter and Foster as the FBI agent Clarice Starling—the actors say they had a warm relationship off-screen. In fact, Hopkins notes that Foster seemed immediately struck by his chilling performance, with one of the producers exclaiming "Holy Moses, Tony, what is that?" after the first script reading, to which Foster replied, "You're scary."