Guillermo del Toro found himself facing a once-in-a-lifetime chance to helm a breathtaking $2.7 Billion Marvel superhero franchise centered around his beloved character. But astonishingly, he turned it down, choosing an unconventional path over the glimmering allure of blockbuster success.
What could possibly make a visionary director refuse such a golden opportunity, you may wonder? It’s a peculiar and intriguing reason that unveils a side of Guillermo del Toro that few could have imagined.
Marvel Millions or Monster Magic, Guillermo del Toro’s Quest
Guillermo del Toro found himself at a crossroads when the behemoth of entertainment, Marvel, extended its mighty hand with an astounding offer. They beckoned him to steer the helm of Thor, a movie that bore a glittering promise of a $2.7 Billion treasure trove. Guillermo del Toro revealed:
“I came very close to doing Thor because I really wanted to bring the Norse mythology, It’s something I’m very attracted to. Create the giants and create the more fantastical version of that.”
Yet, amidst the allure of caped Gods and superhero sagas, Guillermo del Toro’s heart throbbed for something different, something extraordinary in its own chilling way.
A world of monsters, oh how it called to him! These mesmerizing, eerie creatures lurked in the shadows, whispering tales of mystery and wonder. With an illustrious track record, having spun magic with Hellboy and Blade II, one would think Guillermo del Toro is a natural fit for the Marvel spectacle.
The director also was offered Wolverine, a superhero he really liked,
“I was very attracted to doing The Wolverine in Japan, because that’s my favorite chapter in the story of Wolverine. But I’m not a superhero guy. It’s one thing to like something and another to marry it for two, three years.”
But, as he sat in a room of opportunity, flanked by the formidable Jim Gianopulos, the Head of 20th Century Studios, and Hugh Jackman, who embodied the indomitable Wolverine, he knew he had to heed the call of his monstrous muses.
Unveiling his heart to the gathering, Guillermo del Toro confessed that while superheroes were extraordinary in their own right, the idea of committing an eternity to a single-caped crusader didn’t set his creative soul ablaze. No, his passion lay in weaving tales that celebrated creatures of the night and legends of yore.
Guillermo del Toro: From Monsters to Masterpieces!
Such was his affection for monsters that it began at a tender age, becoming the beacon guiding him into the enigmatic realm of movie make-up and special effects. With boundless imagination, he breathed life into his most fearsome visions, each stroke of the brush and every dab of prosthetics an ode to his monstrous passion.
And when his tales found their way to the silver screen, they weren’t just tales, but portals to timeless sagas. Guillermo del Toro possessed an uncanny gift for infusing legends and myths seamlessly into his narratives, elevating them to epic proportions. Take, for instance, his debut masterpiece, Cronos, where he bestowed upon the central vampire a depth and understanding, making us ponder the profound humanity in those we fear.
With each scene he created, Guillermo del Toro brought incredible worlds to life, showcasing a beautiful mix of emotions in his creatures and stories – from fear to love, from wonder to understanding. So, when Marvel came calling with its tempting offer, Guillermo del Toro fearlessly listened to his heart. He decided to immerse himself in the realms of darkness, mystery, and mesmerizing wonders that dwelled in the shadows.
Source: Digital Spy