Guillermo del Toro producing CG-animated adventure Day of the Dead

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Reel FX has teamed with Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Guillermo del Toro to produce a groundbreaking, CG-animated film — working title, DAY OF THE DEAD. Del Toro will also present the film which is directed by Emmy Award winner Jorge R. Gutierrez (El Tigre, The Adventures of Manny Rivera). The film is being penned by Gutierrez and Emmy Award nominee Doug Langdale.

Before you get too excited based on the title, this does not appear to be an animated zombie flick. Disappointing, I know. Still, with del Toro involved, you can expect an unorthodox and adventurous foray into animation.

Here’s how the press release issued by Reel FX describes the flick:

The film is an action-packed, fully CG-animated picture, with a “Romeo and Juliet” style love story set against a Mexican “Day of the Dead” backdrop. It represents the first time in almost twenty years — since 1993’s Cronos — that del Toro has collaborated on a feature project set in Mexico. Music is also integral to the story; the film will feature an international roster of A-list recording artists performing new songs as well as re-imagined iconic songs. Reel FX’s Brad Booker brought Day of the Dead to the studio and is the development executive on the project.

Some words from del Toro about the project: “I have admired Jorge’s work for a long time. He has a unique aesthetic and sense of humor. Day of the Dead offers a perfect opportunity for his sensibilities to shine. This is a colorful, vibrant, vital fable that utilizes the animation medium in an incredible way. The object of the tale is not only to talk about life but to dazzle us – jolt us- into living to the fullest. To join Reel FX, Cary Granat and Jorge in this adventure is a privilege and a joy.”

DAY OF THE DEAD is scheduled to hit theaters sometime in 2014. Does it sound like something that might be up your alley?