Guillermo del Toro, renowned filmmaker known for his unique storytelling style, recently opened up about the Pacific Rim sequel and why he ultimately did not end up directing it. The 2013 film, which revolved around sea creatures emerging from the ocean and humanity’s creation of giant humanoid mechas to protect themselves, was a hit among fans. Del Toro directed the first installment, which starred notable actors such as Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, and Rinko Kikuchi. However, despite originally being set to direct the sequel, Del Toro’s plans were thwarted due to the unavailability of the specific sound stages he desired to shoot at.
In a recent interview with Collider, Del Toro reminisced about the missed opportunity, stating, “We were getting ready to do it, it was different from the first, but it had a continuation of many of the things that I was trying to do.” However, a last-minute obstacle arose as the production team had to place a deposit for the Toronto sound stages by 5 p.m. or risk losing them for several months.
Time ticked away and, unfortunately, the stages were lost, leading to an unexpected turn of events. Del Toro recounted the situation, saying, “They said, ‘Well, we can shoot it in China.’ And I go, ‘What do you mean we?’ [Laughs] ‘I’ve gotta go do Shape of Water.'” Del Toro’s decision to prioritize his upcoming film, The Shape of Water, was undeniably a difficult choice, but one that ultimately garnered great success.
For Del Toro, the decision to forgo directing Pacific Rim: Uprising produced incredible results. The Shape of Water, a captivating fantasy film, clinched the prestigious Best Picture award at the 2017 Oscars. Del Toro himself also received the coveted Best Director award. The critical and commercial success of The Shape of Water solidified Del Toro’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker, but it left the Pacific Rim sequel in the hands of another director.
Interestingly, Del Toro confessed that he has yet to watch the sequel, Pacific Rim: Uprising. He admitted, “I didn’t see the final movie because that’s like watching home movies from your ex-wife.” Del Toro’s analogy beautifully conveys the mixed emotions he may experience when observing the continuation of a project he was once involved in. The fear of disappointment or the discomfort of revisiting the past may have motivated his decision to avoid watching it.
While he may have refrained from viewing the final product, Del Toro did read the script for Pacific Rim: Uprising, noting that it was significantly different from his vision. This distinction solidifies the fact that the sequel created its own unique narrative, diverging from the path he had initially envisioned.
Del Toro’s missed opportunity to direct the Pacific Rim sequel due to logistical constraints led to a series of unforeseen events and an unexpected turn of events. Despite not witnessing the final product, his focus on The Shape of Water ultimately paid off, as it secured critical acclaim and prestigious accolades. Del Toro’s decision not to watch the sequel demonstrates his desire to avoid a potentially uncomfortable viewing experience. The Pacific Rim franchise continued without his directorial touch, forging its own path in the vast world of cinema.
Leave a Reply