Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed filmmaker known for his distinctive dark fantasy style, has confirmed that his long-gestated adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness is officially dead. Despite decades of development efforts and high anticipation among horror fans, del Toro stated that the film is unlikely to ever be made due to its scale and rating challenges.
The announcement came in an interview with Empire magazine, where del Toro also discussed his upcoming Netflix film, Frankenstein. He revealed that while he continues to pursue his passion projects, the Mountains of Madness adaptation remains an unattainable goal that “is gonna stay there.”
Del Toro Reflects on the Challenges Behind the Abandoned Film
Del Toro has been attached to adapt Lovecraft’s 1936 novella, which centers on an Antarctic expedition from Miskatonic University that uncovers hidden alien horrors beneath the ice. Considered one of Lovecraft’s most ambitious cosmic horror tales, the story seemed well-suited for del Toro’s immersive and atmospheric filmmaking. However, the project faced persistent obstacles.
Over the years, the adaptation switched between studios including Warner Bros. and Universal, and even attracted interest from actor Tom Cruise. Still, the planned film’s estimated budget—exceeding $100 million—combined with a mature R rating, made it a risky venture for studios focused on box office returns. Del Toro’s vision called for extensive practical effects, large-scale sets, and heavy visual effects, which added to the financial complexity.
“The one that’s on the bucket list that I think is gonna stay there is Mountains. It’s too big, too crazy, too R-rated, I guess. And to be completely candid, I don’t know that I want to do it after this,”
del Toro candidly expressed, explaining the frustration behind the project’s cancellation.
Creative Evolution and Closing a Chapter in Del Toro’s Career
For del Toro, deciding to halt the Mountains of Madness effort is part of a broader personal evolution in his filmmaking journey. He described the upcoming Frankenstein as closing a creative cycle that began with his early films like Cronos and includes notable works such as The Devil’s Backbone, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Crimson Peak. This cycle embodies a distinctive aesthetic and emotional rhythm that del Toro feels is coming to an end.
“This film closes the cycle. If you look at the lineage, from Cronos to The Devil’s Backbone, to Pan’s Labyrinth to Crimson Peak to (Frankenstein), this is an evolution of a certain type of aesthetic, and a certain type of rhythm, and a certain type of empathy. I feel like I need a change,”
he said, signaling his desire to explore new creative directions beyond his established thematic territory.
Legacy of Mountains of Madness and What Fans Can Expect
Though At the Mountains of Madness will not reach theaters, del Toro has hinted that fans might one day see the extensive concept art and development materials produced during the film’s long gestation. This could offer a rare glimpse into what might have been one of the most ambitious horror films ever attempted.
The partial reveal of the project’s vision emerged through a VFX test reel released by del Toro a few years back, showcasing terrifying creatures and the eerie atmosphere he intended to create. This fueled hope among horror aficionados who were eager to experience Lovecraft’s chilling tale through del Toro’s unique lens.
With the project now closed, del Toro is turning his focus toward completing Frankenstein for Netflix, ushering in a new chapter in his career that may differ from the monstrous and fantastical elements that defined his earlier work. While Mountains remains buried, the filmmaker’s legacy continues to evolve.
