Guillermo del Toro, known for his captivating and eerie films, has confirmed that his long-awaited adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness is no longer moving forward. The acclaimed director, whose recent works include Frankenstein and Pinocchio, revealed this update during a recent interview, disappointing fans who have eagerly anticipated the project.
Challenges Behind Shelving the Mountain of Madness Adaptation
Del Toro has been attempting to bring Lovecraft’s story to the big screen for years, a tale set in Antarctica featuring a doomed expedition and ancient, monstrous civilizations. He described the adaptation as a difficult undertaking due to its scale and content, stating,
“It depends, it’s a big movie. It’s a complicated movie to shoot. It is R-rated. So I don’t think people are lining up to do it.”
The complexity of manifesting the Lovecraftian creatures and lost civilization in a mature, horror-driven format proved to be a significant barrier for production.
Though the project is now officially off the table, del Toro previously shared a decade-old CGI test that showcased his vision, which was well-received by his audience. The story, written in 1931, is narrated by Dr. William Dyer and warns of the dangers lying in the unexplored Antarctic continent. The narrative reveals ancient sculptures and murals left by a vanished civilization, alongside monstrous beings that once inhabited the frigid landscape.
Why Guillermo del Toro Is Moving Past This Passion Project
Del Toro has characterized the film as
“too big, too crazy, too R-rated,”
admitting that after thorough reflection, he decided it was time to step away from this ambitious dream. He explained,
“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.”
This statement underlines his sense that At the Mountains of Madness represented the culmination of a creative chapter, prompting him to shift focus to new artistic paths.
Upcoming Release and Notable Cast of Frankenstein
Despite the disappointment regarding At the Mountains of Madness, del Toro’s film Frankenstein is set for release on November 7 via streaming platforms. The movie stars Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature, continuing del Toro’s exploration of dark and complex themes. Their performances are expected to bring fresh depth to Mary Shelley’s classic tale, marking another significant chapter in del Toro’s body of work.
