'Hannibal' Season 3 2015 Spoiler - Mason Verger Recast For New Episodes [PHOTO]: Michael Pitt Isn't Returning, Joe Anderson Replaces 'Boardwalk Empire' Star

Michael Pitt will not return to the third season of NBC's crime thriller Hannibal as crazed and mutilated millionaire Mason Verger. The actor, who is most known for his work on HBO's Boardwalk Empire, has already been replaced by Joe Anderson for the new season 2 episodes that will premiere in 2015. This news was confirmed by a brutal, kind of NSFW photo posted to a Verger Twitter account this week. Check it out below and also let us know if you think Pitt was kicked off the show like many rumors suggested happened to him on the HBO series.

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Fans of the highly acclaimed NBC series from Bryan Fuller were pretty excited when Pitt was cast as the literary villain Verger, so we're sure plenty of viewers are sad to see him go. Considering what happened to Verger in season 2, replacing the actor won't be too hard. In fact, we have a glimpse at the facial reconstruction we can expect to see on new star, Joe Anderson, right here:

From Joe Anderson's instagram: "Smoke break. Kinda ages ya. ;-)" pic.twitter.com/Y37mmFyyIU

— Mason Verger (@M_Verger) December 19, 2014

What do you think of this photo? Are you oaky with Anderson taking over the role? What do you think happened with Pitt? Let us know in the comments section below!

This recasting news sure does remind of the previous rumors surrounding Pitt's end on Boardwalk Empire, though. Apparently, the cast and crew didn't like the actor, which could have led to him being written off of the series. Do you think this is what happened with the Verger role? Plenty of reports are taking guesses as to why he's left the series after some critical acclaim for his role, but no real answers have been released.

So start the conversation in the comments section below and let us know what you think of this casting news!