Guillermo del Toro to focus on animation only

[Cremildo]

Del Toro also said that he will be focusing primarily on animated feature films going forward following his stop-motion adaptation of “Pinocchio” and the upcoming “Buried Giant,” based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel. Both films come from Netflix.

“There are a couple more live-action movies I want to do but not many,” del Toro said. “After that, I only want to do animation. That’s the plan.”

The “Shape of Water” director continued, “Animation to me is the purest form of art, and it’s been kidnapped by a bunch of hoodlums. We have to rescue it. [And] I think that we can Trojan-horse a lot of good shit into the animation world. I believe you can make an adult fantasy drama with stop-motion and move people emotionally. I think stop-motion can be intravenous, it can go straight to your emotions in a way that no other medium can.”

Del Toro previously told IndieWire’s Eric Kohn in November 2022 that the experience on “Pinocchio” led him to rethink his past films in terms of animated potential.

“I want to focus on animation a lot more. It is much more my speed,” del Toro said. “Could you do an animated version of ‘The Shape of Water?’” he wondered before answering his own question. “I don’t think so. Could you do a version of ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’? Maybe, I think so.” +

[prkchopexpress]

well that’s a bummer. can’t blame him. he’s right. it should be easier for a recent best director and picture winner to get things financed.

especially since his pinocchio was his only movie i not only didn’t like, but outright hated.

[JMS1223]

Originally Posted by prkchopexpress

especially since his pinocchio was his only movie i not only didn’t like, but outright hated.

I’ll probably regret asking but why did you hate Pinocchio?

I personally thought it was great but not his best (I loved LOVED the Shape of Water, my favorite of his films).

I get what he’s saying and I am totally fine with him making animated films, just as long as they are good. I’m also glad there will be a few live actions films sprinkled in too.

[unberechenbar]

Darn. That sucks. I’m guessing they’re going to be from Netflix too? At least Pinocchio had a longer theatrical run.

[Gacivory]

This is disappointing. Not knocking his animated films, just like him jumping between Live and animated.

[Zivouhr]

Del Toro is a pretty good artist for drawing as far back as 2002's Blade 2, having seen his sketches in the extras of the disc set.

Animation only though, that will be a challenge to only do animated films. They require a massive budget for AAA films. Best of luck to him. I still need to check out Pinnochio and Shape of Water, along with Crimson Peak. I've seen his other films.

Hellboy 2
Blade 2
Pan's Labyrinth
Pacific Rim
Hellboy
Mimic
etc.

[jeangreyforever]

The full article mentions that most of the movies he's been pitching have been rejected by all the studios so that's also a factor as to why he's sticking to animation now.

[happydood]

Originally Posted by jeangreyforever

The full article mentions that most of the movies he's been pitching have been rejected by all the studios so that's also a factor as to why he's sticking to animation now.

Awful. We'd all be better off if he got all the money and got to make whatever he wanted.

[Farerb]

Not his biggest fan, but he's correct that mainstream animated films have become so bland and mediocre in recent years.

[Dragon78]

I am curious on what his next animated projects will be....

Well most animated films in recent years have been bland but there have been some good ones.

[Michael11]

It's insane that such a talented and creative mind gets constantly rejected by studios.

Then again, I guess it's not so crazy, he's the exact opposite of what they're looking for.

[Cremildo]

Originally Posted by Dragon78

I am curious on what his next animated projects will be....

The Buried Giant.

[spider-neil]

Originally Posted by prkchopexpress

well that’s a bummer. can’t blame him. he’s right. it should be easier for a recent best director and picture winner to get things financed.

especially since his pinocchio was his only movie i not only didn’t like, but outright hated.

Interesting. I thought Pinocchio was the best movie of 2022.

[spider-neil]

How good would it be to see his version of The Hobbit as a 2 hour stop motion movie?

[jeangreyforever]

Originally Posted by spider-neil

How good would it be to see his version of The Hobbit as a 2 hour stop motion movie?

With WB making more LOTR movies, it would be a smart idea to remake The Hobbit but in animated form so it doesn't tread on the Peter Jackson movies.

[Underworld54]

His live action ideas are risky and far too expensive for studio to finance.

[Grethiwha]

Nice.

Pinocchio was phenomenal. The most visually stunning stop-motion animated film I've seen and probably 2nd best after Mary & Max.

He has the talent and imagination to become the Hayao Miyazaki of this neglected art form IMHO.

[JMS1223]

Originally Posted by Grethiwha

Nice.

Pinocchio was phenomenal. The most visually stunning stop-motion animated film I've seen and probably 2nd best after Mary & Max.

He has the talent and imagination to become the Hayao Miyazaki of this neglected art form IMHO.

Glad to see someone else really liked Mary & Max.

Also agree with you totally about Guillermo del Toro.

[hanshotfirst1138]

Well, shit. I mean, I don’t mind or dislike his animation work, but he has such an extraordinary and singular vision that I hope he doesn’t give up live-action completely.