Guillermo del Toro is almost as famous for the films he didn't direct as the films he did. He was tapped to helm THE HOBBIT films but departed due to extended delays. His H.P. Lovecraft adaptation of AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS starring Tom Cruise never saw the light of day. He's had a live-action dark take on PINOCCHIO in the works for twelve years. And don't even get me started on the abandoned third HELLBOY film.
However despite various obstacles, Guillermo del Toro's actual works have been a thing of beauty. BLADE II is arguably one of the best vampire films of all-time. PAN'S LABYRINTH is a delightfully dark fairy tale. PACIFIC RIM is pure kaiju awesomeness and THE SHAPE OF WATER is a melancholy but hopeful love story. Although it's been over two years since audiences last had the pleasure of experiencing a Guillermo del Toro feature, fans won't have to wait too much longer. Filming has officially begun on del Toro's next project NIGHTMARE ALLEY. The news comes courtesy of producer J. Miles Dale via his official Twitter page:
NIGHTMARE ALLEY is an adaptation of the 1946 novel of the same name by William Lindsey Gresham. The novel was previously adapted into a 1947 noir film starring Tyrone Power and directed by Edmund Goulding. NIGHTMARE ALLEY "follows a corrupt con-man who teams up with a female psychiatrist to trick people into giving them money." The con-man in question, Stan Carlisle, will be played by Bradley Cooper while the role of the psychiatrist, Lilith Ritter, will be portrayed by Oscar winner Cate Blanchett. In addition, NIGHTMARE ALLEY sports a virtual who's who of talent including Toni Collette, Rooney Mara, David Strathairn, and Willem Dafoe. Now that's a cast.
I don't know about you guys but I'm sufficiently stoked for this film. While not all of Guillermo del Toro's works have been winners, he always picks interesting projects. I'm always up for whatever he chooses. This movie sounds intriguing as Hell and with that cast, I'm sure it will be prime Oscar material. Plus I'm curious to see who will be wearing the Indiana Jones fedora in the film.
NIGHTMARE ALLEY currently does not have a release date, however I'd anticipate a sweet awards season spot late this year.