Why Guillermo Del Toro May Not Be the Perfect Fit for Star Wars Anymore

Article Key Points

Guillermo del Toro, known for his beautiful films about monsters, may no longer be interested in directing a Star Wars movie, preferring to do more strange and quirky projects.

The Star Wars franchise has undergone a shift towards a more corporate and mainstream approach, primarily with Disney Plus serving as the primary platform for various Star Wars content. As a result, independent directors like del Toro have limited opportunities within this setting. Dave Filoni, who remains faithful to George Lucas' original vision, has emerged as the authoritative figure in the Star Wars universe. Consequently, del Toro's distinctive perspective on a Jabba the Hutt movie may have failed to achieve widespread fan acceptance.

Despite the desire of many Star Wars fans for a fresh perspective from esteemed horror director Guillermo del Toro, he has stated that he is no longer interested in taking on the job.

Monsters have always played a significant role in del Toro's filmography, as evidenced by his acclaimed works such as Pan's Labyrinth. With a knack for finding beauty in the macabre, del Toro has garnered attention and praise. His Best Director Oscar win was the result of his unique take on the classic Creature From the Black Lagoon story, as seen in The Shape of Water. Del Toro's films resonate with audiences because they do not condemn monsters but rather embrace and love them, much like in a paranormal romance.

There was a period when this appeared to be a probable match for the Star Wars universe, and he nearly helmed a Jabba the Hutt film that ultimately never materialized. However, del Toro has come to the conclusion that his association with Star Wars may have come to an end. “I find myself increasingly inclined to pursue more peculiar endeavors, to delve into projects that are a bit more enigmatic and idiosyncratic,” del Toro commented in a 2015 interview with the Happy Sad Confused Podcast.

Del Toro's familiarity with Hollywood franchises is well-documented, having directed the original Hellboy adaptations and the beloved Pacific Rim. At one point, there was hope for a Jabba the Hutt film by del Toro, but times have changed. The integration of Star Wars into the Disney corporation has resulted in a flood of content on Disney Plus, leaving no place for del Toro's unique storytelling. While Dave Filoni has become the authority on all things Star Wars, remaining true to George Lucas' original vision, del Toro's take on the mob boss would have undoubtedly been a fresh and unexplored perspective. However, it is uncertain whether the dedicated Star Wars fanbase would have embraced such a departure. As such, it may be best for del Toro to continue captivating horror enthusiasts and those seeking alternative narratives, while Star Wars remains the go-to for those in search of familiar stories.

The Star Wars franchise is streaming on Disney Plus.

Source: Happy Sad Confused Podcast

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about Guillermo del Toro's potential departure from the Star Wars franchise. On the one hand, I understand his desire to pursue more personal and quirky projects. His films are often dark and macabre, and they don't always fit well with the more family-friendly tone of Star Wars. On the other hand, I'm disappointed that we won't get to see his unique vision for a Star Wars movie. I think he could have brought something new and exciting to the franchise.

I'm also concerned about the future of Star Wars. The franchise has been on a downward spiral in recent years, and I'm not sure if it can recover. The movies have become too predictable and formulaic, and the characters are no longer as interesting as they used to be. I'm hoping that del Toro's departure will be a wake-up call for Lucasfilm, and that they'll start taking more risks with the franchise.