Guillermo Del Toro Signs Exclusive Deal With Fox Searchlight To Develop Fantasy, Horror, and Sci-Fi Films
After Guillermo del Toro's big win at the Oscars for The Shape of Water, Fox Searchlight is so happy with their relationship with the filmmaker that they want to stay in business with him. They've signed an exclusive deal with him, and Searchlight is also going to start a new label that will serve as a place where Del Toro can write, direct, produce and curate new fantasy, horror, and sci-fi films.
The first project under this new label has also been announced. It's called Antlers and it tells the story of “an elementary school teacher who takes in a troubled student that harbors a mysterious family secret with deadly consequences."
Antlers is being directed by Scott Cooper (Hostiles) from a script written by Channel Zero creator Nick Antosca and Henry Chaisson. The movie is based on a short story called The Quiet Boy by Nick Antosca. Del Toro will produce the film alongside David Goyer, who is best known for his work on the DC films.
This whole thing is awesome news for Del Toro, and it will give him a place to actually make the films that he wants to make. As you know, he's had issues getting many of his film projects off the ground including At the Mountains of Madness and The Haunted Mansion. Teaming up with Fox Searchlight is an opportunity that Del Toro has been looking for, and he had this to say in a statement:
“For the longest time, I’ve hoped to find an environment in which I can distribute, nurture and produce new voices in smart, inventive genre films and channel my own. In Fox Searchlight, I’ve found a real home for live action production — a partnership based on hard work, understanding of each other and, above all, faith. After the wonderful experience I had with Fox Searchlight on ‘The Shape of Water,’ I am honored to have the opportunity to continue the relationship. I am more than grateful to Nancy, Steve, David and Matthew for their trust in me and for joining me on this adventure.”
David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, Fox Searchlight Pictures’ Co-Heads of Production added:
"As well as being a brilliant filmmaker, Guillermo is a passionate collaborator, curator and advocate for other artists. Working with him on this new label, focused on the highest quality projects in the genre space, allows Searchlight to expand our reach to new filmmakers and new audiences around the world."
After seeing the amazing film The Shape of Water, I'm excited about the films that are going to come out of this partnership. I'm mostly excited to see what what Del Toro ends up directing next!