As it turns out, the rumor is true, only… mostly not. As Moviehole figured out, the “news” is from many years ago but was somehow recently regurgitated by Google News (originating from old stories on Hollywood.com and the NY Post), and then spotted and echoed by several online outlets assuming it was fresh news (ignoring the mention of Jodie Foster not returning because she was busy directing the still-unmade FLORA’S PLUM).
Moviehole also checked with a source at Universal (who was quoted in the original story), who simply says: “Bottom Line : It’s the old pre-HANNIBAL story getting another-run again. There’s no new movie.”