Itll be a bit sudden if we go straight into the questions.
You seem to be a filmmaker whos always juggling a number of projects.
How did you find time to write this?
Was it during pre-production onThe Hobbit?
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Yeah, it was actually.
I startedThe Strainin L.A. and I finished it when I was in New Zealand.
Chuck and I tackledThe Fallduring the prep ofThe Hobbit.
And I could write in the morning too, early, early before going to Peters.
Like, from five a.m. to nine a.m.
I was able to write.
It was like opening a Christmas present.
So, that was how it worked?
You took chapters at a time?
We do it entirely independent until the manuscripts change hands.
No, it makes it different, but I dont think it makes it harder.
I think its actually a release for me to be able to talk to people directly through words.
I can certainly address things directly.
You know, when youre writing a screenplay … a half-open door, ominous, dark.
Thats an aspect of both books that Ive had as a pending thing to tell for about 30 years.
If he was human when he turned.
The design biology of the reapers inBlade 2came entirely from me.
Not only do you have no budget limits but you have no censorship, no stupid bullshit notes.
You are directly talking to your audience, straight.
And I think it is a huge privilege and one I take very seriously.
But your next film project isAt The Mountains Of Madness, is that right?
You know, until its greenlit, nothing is sure, as I have learned in the past.
[laughs] That is the goal, yes, to start shooting that movie in June next year.
Are you keen to get behind the camera again?
I am so anxious to get going with shooting.
[laughs]
And did you?
Did they let you?
No, I was still withThe Hobbitand they couldnt make it work.
But I am anxious to direct, very anxious.
And youve got James Cameron in your corner withAt The Mountain Of Madness.
Well, you know, this is a partnership that is born out of friendship.
Jim and I have been best friends for the last couple of decades.
So, the benefit of James coming on board is huge, creatively and personally.
Its not only the 3D, or the technical aspect of the film.
Is it a very collaborative environment, then, when you meet other filmmakers?
You seem to have that relationship with other filmmakers, Frank Darabont, for example.
You know, for me it is.
For me it is.
Im not sure it is the rule of thumb.
But I know Frank is that way.
But he is very collaborative.
And that is really the ideal way of producing.
But it is not a rule of thumb, I dont think.
It is entirely different.
It is always difficult.
I dont think it ever, ever, ever gets easy for almost no one.
I mean, maybe one or two people would find it easier, but I dont know them.
[laughs] I think everyone finds it very hard.
What it is right now thats very scary is that it is more conservative.
And Im not just talking about politics.
And the girl is endangered and then taken to the other side.
I very much wanted to write about vampires and shoot movies about vampires and I have been doing that.
If you know me well you would know this is almost a religious passion.
I love The Haunted Mansion.
I pursuedThe Haunted Mansionfrom the get-go.
I would love to, but I dont think Ron wants to.
And I think that …
I dont blame him … but I think it is almost impossible for him to agree to do it.
I cant make aHellboyfilm without Ron, you know, at all.
If you guys start that, I promise you it would help, because he would absolutely love that.
[laughs]
Guillermo del Toro, thank you very much.
The Guillermo del Toro Collection is available to buy on Blu-ray now, courtesy of Optimum Home Entertainment
