With the news earlier this week of  Corey Stoll being cast as the lead in GdT , Hogan,and Cuse’s FX series THE STRAIN…Comes news of  ”LOST” vet Keven Durand joining the cast.

Durand will play Vasily Fet, a second-generation Ukrainian-American and rat exterminator by trade who enthusiastically joins the war against the vampires. Under the mentorship of a wise vampire hunter from Eastern Europe, Fet discovers his formerly solitary life now has meaning.

The role reunites Durand with former Lostshowrunner Cuse, who will serve in the same capacity should the pilot be ordered to series. Del Toro and Hogan will co-write the pilot with the former set to direct the FX Productions vehicle.

Source: THR

House Of Cards‘Corey Stoll has been tapped as the lead of FX‘s high-profile drama project The Strain, from filmmakerGuillermo del Toro and veteran showrunner Carlton Cuse (Lost, Bates Motel). The Strain, an adaptation of del Toro’s vampire novel trilogy, formally has a pilot order, but FX president John Landgraf has indicated it is being eyed for a series order. The project already has a full writing staff in place churning out scripts, and I hear FX has committed $500,000 to creature creation.

Del Toro will direct the pilot from a script he co-wrote with Chuck Hogan, who also co-authored the books with del Toro. Cuse, who helped develop the adaptation, executive produces alongside del Toro and will serve as showrunner, overseeing the potential series with del Toro. Hogan and del Toro’s longtime manager/producing partner Gary Ungar also serve as exec producers of the project, produced by FX Prods.

The Strain is a high-concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Stoll), the head of the Centers for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself. “To me, having the right lead for The Strain series was perhaps the most important creative task,” said del Toro. “To be able to secure the perfect actor in Corey Stoll sets the project on the right track. To embody a character like Ephraim Goodweather — who transitions through every emotion and situation imaginable, and which anchors the narrative of the series — requires amazing talent and craft. Corey has both in spades as he has demonstrated it over and over again.”

Stoll has been a hot commodity since his breakout starring role on NBC’s Law & Order: LA. This year, he has drawn attention for his roles in the Netflix seriesHouse Of Cards and the Sundance entry COG. He was among the most sought-after actors this broadcast pilot season, fielding multiple offers. Stoll, repped by UTA and Suskin Management, is probably best known on the feature side for his turn as Ernest Hemingway in Midnight In Paris. He just wrapped the indie The Glass Chin and recently was cast in This Is Where I Leave You and The Good Lie.

Source:DEADLINE

With PACIFIC RIM receiving plenty of positive buzz across the webby webs, it is only natural that speculation begins regarding Guillermo’s next project.

The latest rumor involves GDT directing a “Justice League Dark” called HEAVEN SENT, featuring DC Comics’ horror and magic characters – something that would be right up Guillermo’s alley.

The super team would consist of Deadman, The Spectre, Swamp Thing, Constantine Hellblazer, Phantom Stranger, Zatanna, Zatara, and Sargon.  Initially, reports indicated Guillermo denied interest, but he set the record straight on our forums, saying that he would “love” to direct this film if the opportunity was there.

Still, do not discount Guillermo directing a more personal, smaller film right after PACIFIC RIM…..

Rise of the Guardians

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS had a disappointing reception at the box office on one of the biggest Thanksgiving weekends ever for the film industry.  It earned $32 million over the holiday weekend.  With a pricetag of around $145 million, this could be one of the worst performing films in Dreamworks history.

Still, Guillermo is keeping a positive outlook, and hopes that it could pick up steam over the holiday season by solid word of mouth, and stands by the quality of the film:

Box office was disappointing but exit polls and Cinemascore proved that audiences gave us a straight “A” and through the testing process we were the highest tested film in DWA history. Obviously we need to change our ad strategy but Holiday movies tend to hold through the season.

I love our movie!

inSane Returns?

Guillermo’s horror video game project, dropped by struggling THQ back in August, is apparently rising again at another developer.  GDT told IGN:

We were going to go to a lot of developers after THQ, but it seems like we’re going to be developing it after the first meeting we had. I can’t disclose where it was, but we went to a great developer on the first meeting and it seems that they’re picking it up because they love the package.

No Jaeger Sneak Peak…yet

Also, speculation was rampant that Guillermo’s production studio, Mirada, leaked a sneak peak of a Jaeger in a promotional video.  Sorry, fans – that was not a Jaeger, but check out this comment that GDT posted on our forums:

Days away from the first steps on PR!!

G

Guillermo promised the first PAC RIM footage is coming in mid-December.  Fingers crossed that we get to see a teaser in theaters soon.

After months of quietly twiddling our thumbs will Guillermo worked on post for PACIFIC RIM (“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!”) – we finally get some big news:  THE STRAIN is heading to F/X.

Deadline.com has a great article with all the details, and what we learn is that F/X has ordered a pilot to be co-written, directed and executive produced by GDT himself.  Also writing, of course, will be THE STRAIN series co-author Chuck Hogan.  Running the show will be LOST’S co-runner Carlton Cuse.

THE STRAIN comes full circle, since years ago Guillermo thought of bringing it to Fox television. When that didn’t go down, he asked Hogan to help him write a book trilogy.

The series incredible success, along with the popularity of shows like THE WALKING DEAD and AMERICAN HORROR STORY, led Guillermo’s chilling vampire story back to television.

GDT and F/X both imagine this show as a having a limited run for about three to five seasons, with Guillermo directing as many episodes as he can.

GDT also headed to HBO

Along with THE STRAIN, the HULK series at ABC, Guillermo will now also be  producing Corinne May Botz’s HBO drama NUTSHELL STUDIES.  According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 1950′s period drama will feature a “small-town housewife” solving brutal crimes. This show, I believe, fits right in to Guillermo’s love of Hitchcock and crime noir.

Also, check out this link to read about the REAL “Nutshell Studies” – could this be the basis for the series?

MAMA trailer appears online

And Guillermo’s latest producing effort, MAMA, now has a trailer online.  GDT has a strong track record with producing some great chillers, including JULIA’S EYES, THE ORPHANAGE and SPLICE.  MAMA looks to be another strong edition to Guillermo’s producing credits.  Watch below:

PACIFIC RIM to be post-converted to 3D

Warner Bros has announced that they will post-convert Guillermo’s blockbuster epic PACIFIC RIM into 3D.  Depending on who you are, you will either celebrate or cringe.  After all, Guillermo never intended the film to be 3D, and converting it afterwards seems to be another example of the studio messing with G’s art.  But no worries – the film will be shown in its true 2D form, and Guillermo has not shown any concern on our message boards, saying that post is going well. And hey, if you are a real GDT fan, why not pay for it twice and see which version you like better?  I’m sure Guillermo would welcome the idea!

HOBBIT Trailer 2 Released

Even though Guillermo’s contributions to THE HOBBIT project have largely been kept silent and swept under the rug, I would be remiss if I didn’t post the latest trailer.  What do you think?  Do some GDT elements still remain? I doubt you will see anything in the way of design, direction or cinematography – but maybe you can detect his words…or his sense of humor. He is still listed as co-writer of the screenplay.  What do you think?

Kung Fu Panda 3

And Po is coming back for number 3 – and Guillermo will once again serve as executive producer.  Look for this one in March of 2016.

It is that time of year again – the great Pilgrimage to San Diego for all things movies, monsters and comics.  And, as always, it is one of your best opportunities to meet Guillermo and get some sweet GDT swag!  So what is in store for you this year?  Lots of PACIFIC RIM, of course, but there are other surprises in store for you as well at SDCC!  Find out in DTF’s official Comic Con preview!!!

BLADE II BLU-RAY AND PALE MAN SIGNING AT GENTLE GIANT (Friday)

Friday is your first opportunity to get Guillermo’s autograph, and also some nice GDT merch.  At the Gentle Giant booth on Friday at 1-2:30, GDT will be signing the new Blade II Blu-ray and the Gentle Giant Pale Man statue.  The Blade 2 blu-ray features a comic con exclusive Reaper bust – only 500 sets available (cost: $99).  To read a review of the BluRay, click here. (The Blu-Ray is available in stores now, but not the Reaper bust – it is exclusive to Comic Con).

The Pale Man statue (from Pan’s Labyrinth) is priced at $225, with only 300 available.  See picture below:

In addition to getting Guillermo’s autograph, you can also get the autograph of the Pale Man himself, Doug Jones, at the Gentle Giant booth on these dates: Friday 11am-Noon, and Saturday, 11am – 1pm.

Word of advice from our SDCC veteran and fellow DTF fan – buy the BluRay and the Pale Man statue early on Friday – just in case (you never know if they might sell out during the signing).

PACIFIC RIM (Saturday)

If you are a GDT fan, this is the one event you HAVE to make:  the Legendary Pictures Preview of PACIFIC RIM, scheduled for Saturday, July 14th from 2:30 – 5:00pm at Hall H.  GDT will be there for a special preview, and, although I have no official knowledge of the presentation, I would be SHOCKED if he wasn’t bringing some nice clips to share.  Two things – 1) make sure you get in line early, and 2) if you are bringing little ones, bring some ear muffs.  Guillermo’s Comic Con presentations are legendary for “colorful” language.

Also, you will definitely want to get your hands on the exclusive Comic Con PACIFIC RIM poster, shown below!!

THE STRAIN (Sunday)

Guillermo will signing copies of the THE STRAIN graphic novel at the Dark Horse comics booth on Sunday at 1:00pm.  It is listed as a “ticketed” event, so check in early with the Dark Horse booth to get details.

The San Diego Comic Con is a great opportunity to meet Guillermo, and he always leaves a positive impression with his fans.  What can you say? He’s just a great guy, as you will find out.  But for those who can’t make it, or for those who would like a little preview of what to expect, here is some great historical moments from past GDT appearances in San Diego:

Also, I found this funny little article at DreadCentral about one man’s encounters with Guillermo Del Toro at past Comic Cons.  A fun read.

Have fun DTF’ers, and please report back on your trip to SDCC!

The great thing about being a Guillermo Del Toro fan is that GDT always has lots of projects out there to engage our interest and curiosity. Even though it has been roughly five years since Guillermo’s HELLBOY 2, there have been plenty of appetizers served as we await his next main course: PACIFIC RIM. Those delicious nuggets include THE STRAIN trilogy, MIMIC Director’s Cut BluRay, DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK (a GDT/Matthew Robbins screenplay) and his various producing efforts, including PUSS IN BOOTS and SPLICE.

Unfortunately, PACIFIC RIM is still a year away, due out the summer of 2013. And as Tom Petty once said, “the waiting is the hardest part.”

So as we wait for el maestro to serve us our entree, you may need something to keep that tummy from growling, and I am here to please. Below are the major GDT projects in the works, and their most current status updates (my source is el maestro himself).

This should hold you over…at least for a day or two.

PACIFIC RIM

Shooting is wrapped, and GDT is now neck-deep in post production. This epic summer blockbuster from Legendary Pictures will pit massive robots vs. giant monsters and will be released July 12, 2013. Our pal Spydaweb recently treated us to a plot synposis at FanboyConfidential:

From acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ epic sci-fi action adventure “Pacific Rim.”

When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes-a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)-who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

Oscar^® nominee Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”) is directing “Pacific Rim” from a script by Travis Beacham (“Clash of the Titans”). Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Mary Parent are producing, with Callum Greene serving as executive producer.

The film stars Charlie Hunnam (TV’s “Sons of Anarchy”), Idris Elba (“Thor”), Rinko Kikuchi (“The Brothers Bloom”), Charlie Day (“Horrible Bosses”), and Ron Perlman (the “Hellboy” films). The ensemble cast also includes Max Martini, Robert Kazinsky, Clifton Collins, Jr., Burn Gorman, Larry Joe Campbell, Diego Klattenhoff, and Brad William Henke.

Sounds great, right? I was lucky enough to visit the Toronto set for PR, and I can tell you one thing: this one is going to be a LOT of fun. Get your popcorn ready. (Oh, and expect something to be revealed at this year’s San Diego Comic Con in August!)

PINOCCHIO

This looks to be GDT’s next directing effort, a 3D stop-motion re-telling of the classic Carlo Collodi fairy tail that is being backed by the Jim Henson Company. Del Toro will co-direct with Mark Gustafson (THE PJ’S), with this version being a dark tale heavily influenced by the artwork of Gris Grimly’s PINOCCHIO. GDT says that “redesign will start soon” as well as a rewrite. GDT told the Hollywood Reporter at Cannes that the project is “on schedule” and will be “ready” in 2014. I can assume that since stop-motion films take a long time to make, this project will not hold Guillermo’s undivided attention. Expect for him to be doing other things in 2013.

No cast is set yet, but GDT has “expressed interest” in bringing in Daniel Radcliffe, Tom Waits and Christopher Walken (as the fox!).

HAUNTED MANSION

Another one of GDT’s obsessions is the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland (he has been collecting memorabilia for years, so it is no coincidence that he is developing a film based on the famous attraction. A screenplay has already been delivered to Disney, with a second revision being sent over soon, so this project is still very much on the radar. Also, “show-and-tell” storyboards have already been developed, with over 4o pieces of art. GDT had this to say to MTV: “The movie I see in my head of ‘Haunted Mansion’ is not, I believe, what everyone is imagining it to be,” he said. “It’s not just a regular world with a haunted mansion plopped in the middle. I really am thinking of a movie that has a heightened reality.”

HULK TV SHOW

ABC Network President told the Hollywood Reporter that GDT’s Hulk television program is still in development, with the expectation that it will be ready by next season (2013). GDT will be developing the show along with BATTLESTAR GALACTICA creator David Eick. GDT says the series is currently looking for a new writer. Guillermo has described the Hulk project as an “origin story”, with the Hulk character being created with a blend of prosthetics, puppetry and CGI. Don’t expect Mark Ruffalo to reprise his Avengers roll, however.

AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS

Guillermo: “For now it slumbers and awaits in the South Pacific.”

The movie that all die-hard Guillermo fans are anxious for is the epic Lovecraft tale that has been years in the making. As we know, it came within studio execs nod of getting made (macquettes, artwork and script were complete – GDT was even scouting locations when he heard the news) and recently, Guillermo expressed doubt that with PROMETHEUS getting released this year, it may never get made. GDT told our fans on the message boards: “I assumed the greek metaphor alluded at the creation aspects of the HPL book. I believe I am right and if so, as a fan, I am delighted to see a new RS science fiction film, but this will probably mark a long pause -if not the demise- of ATMOM.”

Let’s hope that movie fans and studio execs have short memories and Cthulu rises again from deep in several years. Never is a long time.

Dreamworks animation have two films in the running for “Best Animated Film” for this year’s Academy Awards: KUNG FU PANDA 2 and PUSS IN BOOTS.

We mention this here at DTF because Guillermo Del Toro served as executive producer on both films.

Guillermo stayed true-to-form to his normal producer role – letting the director’s create their own vision and supporting them in that process.  The directors of both films were very thankful for Guillermo’s involvement.

Chris Miller, director of PUSS IN BOOTS, told the LA TIMES: “Guillermo was a gift to us…The film had been coming together in this great way, but we had hit that point where in a weird way we had taken it as far as we could. We needed someone to liberate us creatively and sort of shake the tree. He expanded the way we saw the film at the perfect time in the process. He’s been just a gift for us.”

Jennifer Yuh, director of KUNG FU PANDA 2, told Den of Geek: “Guillermo del Toro bolstered me and my mind. And told me to trust I had a good movie, and fight for it.”

KFP2 and PUSS IN BOOTS will be competing against RANGO, and two international titles, CHICO & RITA and A CAT IN PARIS.

The Oscar awards will be handed out February 26th, and will be broadcast by ABC

Sideshow Collectibles is actively working on new statue collectibles inspired by two of Guillermo Del Toro’s most recent films: DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK and SPLICE.

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK was his 2011 release, written by Matthew Robbins and GDT, and directed by Troy Nixey. SPLICE was the GDT-produced horror flick directed by Vincenzo Natali.

Click here to view the PDF file with preview images and details. Note the “easter egg” on the DON’T BE AFRAID blocks.

Ah…what might have been….

You can’t help but wonder if the delays in the HOBBIT production had never happened, we would be watching a Guillermo-directed HOBBIT teaser.  However, as the cliche goes: “past is prologue”.  A fresh start is underway for Guillermo with PACIFIC RIM (now filming in Toronto), and the legion of fans (legion?  how many people in a legion?) are impatiently waiting for a first glimpse of GDT’s mechanized monster movie. 

So as THE HOBBIT teaser is released – and it is fantastic – we strain for a glimpse of GDT’s fingerprints on it (he IS co-writer still), but really all I find is a “what might have been” sensation in the back of my mind.  I’m sure Guillermo has the same feeling.

Enjoy the teaser!

A great interview and podcast with Guillermo Del Toro and video game designer Ken Levine has been posted at IrrationalGames.com.  Some great stuff in this interview, so do yourself a favor and check it out!

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