It might be perennially low-rated, but NBC’s serial killer thriller Hannibal is still one of the best shows on television — and the next season will be bringing in some big-screen talent.

Richard Armitage, who starred in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy as Thorin, has signed on to co-star in season three of Hannibal as serial killer Francis Dolarhyde, aka the Tooth Fairy. Dolarhyde was the main villain in Thomas Harris’ 1981 novel Red Dragon, the first book in the Hannibal series. It's a big, physical role — and Armitage definitely fits the bill. He's currently set for a six-episode arc.

Dolarhyde is basically pure evil, and typically targets entire families for slaughter. He earned the Tooth Fairy nickname for his penchant for biting his victims. His story is insane and terrible, and we’re psyched to see Armitage in the deliciously evil role. The character was previously played by Ralph Fiennes in the 2002 film Red Dragon.

The third season of Hannibal is slated to premiere midseason on NBC.

Do you think Armitage is a good choice for the role?

(Via TV Line)