The prequel to Red Dragon tells the story of the famished serial killer's early years in Lithuania from the age of 6 to 20 after his parents are killed in World War II.
Director Peter Webber (Girl With A Pearl Earring) is working on the movie with French actor Gaspard Ulliel playing the titular role.
Hannibal Rising is due in cinemas February next year.
The Thomas Harris novel, Hannibal Rising hit shops on December 5 and is expected to become a best seller. Over 1.5 million copies of the new book have already been printed to meet demand.