The “Fannibal” community is mourning the loss of producer Martha De Laurentiis this weekend, who played a pivotal role in the evolution of the “Hannibal” franchise from big screen movies to Bryan Fuller’s more recent “Hannibal” television series for NBC.
De Laurentiis passed away at age 67 after a battle with cancer.
Martha De Laurentiis formed the Dino De Laurentiis Company with her late husband in 1980, launching her career by associate producing and producing Stephen King adaptations including Firestarter, Cat’s Eye, Silver Bullet, and Maximum Overdrive.
Martha De Laurentiis went on to produce King Kong Lives, Unforgettable, Breakdown, U-571, 2001’s Hannibal, Red Dragon, and the feature film prequel Hannibal Rising.
More recently, Martha De Laurentiis executive produced the NBC series “Hannibal” as well as the Mads Mikkelsen-starring movie Arctic. The powerhouse producer is also attached as executive producer on the upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s Firestarter, bringing her career full circle and back to Stephen King adaptations. That movie is releasing next year.
Prior to co-founding the De Laurentiis Company, Martha was an assistant on 1983’s Wolfen, production auditor on Amityville II, and production accountant on Amityville 3D.
“Hannibal” TV series creator Bryan Fuller writes on Instagram tonight, “What an amazing lady. Martha De Laurentiis left us yesterday peacefully with her family at her side.”
“Long live Martha and her brilliant legacy,” Fuller adds.
Martha De Laurentiis is survived by two daughters, Carolyna and Dina.