Guillermo del Toro working on Fantastic Voyage remake could soon become a reality, as longtime collaborator David S. Goyer has expressed renewed optimism about reviving the stalled sci-fi project. The film, based on the 1966 Oscar-winning classic, has been delayed for eight years, but recent developments suggest it may move forward at last.
Guillermo del Toro’s Legacy of Imagination and Partnership
Del Toro has earned international recognition for his ability to bring unique fantasy and horror visions to life, from cult favorites in the Hellboy and Pacific Rim franchises to award-winning films like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, which won Best Picture. Throughout his prolific career, del Toro has built a circle of frequent collaborators and creative partners, including actors and filmmakers who lend their talents both in front of and behind the camera.
Notably, David S. Goyer has been a significant creative ally for del Toro. Goyer, who wrote and produced Blade II, has continued to work closely with del Toro over the years, lending his writing and producing expertise to projects like the folk horror film Antlers, and contributing to the anthology Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities. Their collaborative dynamic has yielded a mix of acclaimed genre films and ambitious projects, further reinforcing del Toro’s impact on modern cinema.
Renewed Hope for a New Fantastic Voyage
Goyer recently shared updates on the prolonged journey to remake Fantastic Voyage. The original film, directed by Richard Fleischer and released in 1966, follows a daring submarine crew aboard the Proteus, who are miniaturized and injected into a comatose scientist to save his life. Lauded for its inventive premise and all-star cast—including Stephen Boyd, Raquel Welch, Edmond O’Brien, Arthur O’Connell, Donald Pleasence, and Arthur Kennedy—the movie quickly became a classic of science fiction cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers.
For almost a decade, Goyer and del Toro have been associated with breathing new life into this beloved story. The remake was set to pair del Toro’s visionary direction with Goyer’s script, and had attracted industry heavyweights such as James Cameron, whose Lightstorm Entertainment was also involved. Despite this, the film was derailed by executive shakeups at Fox, leaving the project in limbo.
Speaking about their efforts, Goyer explained:
“Guillermo’s a good friend. We’ve worked on about five or six projects together. We were in prep on Fantastic Voyage and it was very close. A production designer was on and all of the above. While we were in prep for that, Guillermo said,”
I’ve got this deal with Searchlight“and”Do you have any scripts that could be made for $20 million?” and I gave him a script called Antlers that we produced together. Fantastic Voyage got derailed with the-then regime at Fox, but God, it was a good one. It was such a great experience working with Guillermo and James Cameron on that, and then my experience working on that led to my working on Terminator: Dark Fate with Cameron and we got along great.
I’ve known Guillermo forever. I hope one day we can figure out [how to get Fantastic Voyage made]. In fact, now, my friend Steve Asbell is running [20th Century Studios], so it occurs to me that I should call him up and say,
“Hey, maybe we should try to resurrect this.”
I also have a Star Wars script I wrote with Guillermo that hasn’t been made, so there are definitely a few ones that have gotten away.”
– David S. Goyer, Writer/Producer
The Long Road and Possible Next Steps
Despite previous setbacks—largely tied to changes in studio leadership and film industry uncertainties—Goyer’s comments indicate a desire to revisit the project. He remains in contact with Steve Asbell, now President of Production at 20th Century Studios, raising the possibility that the pitch for Fantastic Voyage may see renewed interest. Alongside this, Goyer and del Toro have other unproduced screenplays, including a Star Wars script, highlighting their enduring creative partnership.
Key figures such as James Cameron, whose influence and resources could help bring the remake to life, have also expressed support. Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment continues to be attached, offering further hope that Fantastic Voyage will eventually be realized.
Potential Impact on Science Fiction Fans
The prospect of Guillermo del Toro working on Fantastic Voyage remake is exciting for both fans of the original 1966 film and new audiences. With del Toro’s reputation for visually stunning, emotionally resonant storytelling and his proven skill at collaborating with writers like Goyer and legendary filmmakers such as James Cameron, a new version of Fantastic Voyage could capture the imaginations of moviegoers and revitalise interest in classic science fiction. The original cast, including notables like Raquel Welch and Stephen Boyd, set a high bar for ensemble performances, and any remake will likely pay homage to these storied roots.
While there is no confirmed production start yet, the combination of industry buzz, the involvement of 20th Century Studios under Steve Asbell, and the unwavering passion of its creative team, suggests that the dream of a Guillermo del Toro-led Fantastic Voyage remake may soon be back on track. As momentum builds, science fiction fans worldwide will be watching closely for the next chapter in this evolving story.
