Guillermo del Toro is contemplating a distinct approach to Gaston Leroux’s renowned novel, The Phantom of the Opera, though he confirms this project is not imminent. In a recent interview with Inverse, del Toro shared that while the story remains timeless and captivating, he envisions delivering his version in a way that stands apart from previous adaptations, including Robert Englund’s portrayal of the Phantom in the 1980s.
Del Toro’s Current Projects and Future Plans
After his attempt to collaborate with Universal on their classic monsters didn’t materialize, del Toro instead created an unofficial iteration with The Shape of Water, which earned critical acclaim and several Academy Awards. Following that success, he turned his attention to Frankenstein, a film currently showing in select theaters with plans to expand the release and then debut exclusively on Netflix starting November 7.
Del Toro also reveals he is initiating a new career phase, which includes a stop-motion project with Netflix. He expresses a desire for change and exploration beyond his previous works, signaling a shift in his creative focus.
Creative Vision and the Path Ahead
Regarding the prospect of tackling classic monster tales again, del Toro states,
“It’s such a classic tale, but I would do it differently,”
highlighting his inclination toward innovation within familiar stories. He also admits,
“I have a couple of ideas but for now, I’m going into crime and stop-motion,”
indicating a temporary pause on monster reboots as he experiments with new genres and techniques.
His reflections include,
“I feel like I need a change,”
pointing to both personal and professional renewal as he charts his next steps. Del Toro’s evolving interests, combined with his impressive track record in both horror and fantasy, suggest that when he does revisit The Phantom of the Opera, it will come with a fresh perspective that honors the original while offering something new to audiences.
