In rebooting the Thomas Harris universe for television, writer Bryan Fuller decided to go in a different direction with actor Mads Mikkelsen, and the gamble paid off handsomely. A national treasure in his native Denmark, the steely-eyed Mikkelsen has proven to be one of the great modern screen presences, with notable roles in the Pusher trilogy, After the Wedding and last year’s The Hunt.

17 Actors On Our First-Time Emmy Nomination Wish List (x)

As Lecter, the actor oozes equal parts charm, sexuality and menace. Whereas Hopkins played up the character’s more flamboyant, Bond villain-esque aspects, Mikkelsen presents a more cunning, Machiavellian figure. He’s a monster hiding behind an expensive, stylish suit and, try as you might, you just can’t escape his orbit.

17 Actors On Our First-Time Emmy Nomination Wish List (x)

In little Denmark, yes. Everybody who’s on television becomes the Sexiest Man Alive eventually. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing the weather report. I did prefer to be the Sexiest Man Alive than the Ugliest Man Alive.

Mads on being voted “Most Sexiest Man Alive in Denmark” (x)