Just because Tommy Cruise has officially signed on to Guillermo del Toro’s AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be the next film the Mexican visionary will make…
In fact, Deadline has it that del Toro’s R-rated MOUNTAINS may be pushed aside for a PG-13 PACIFIC RIM, a tent-pole monster movie being set up at Legendary Pictures. Word is that film, unlike MOUNTAINS, is close to being ready to go, with a script by Travis Beacham (CLASH OF THE TITANS).
With Universal’s ambivalence to invest $150 million in an R-rated H.P. Lovecraft adaptation, PACIFIC RIM seems like a safer bet…and we all know studios covet what’s safe over what’s risky. Problem is, MOUNTAINS has long been del Toro’s dream project, an epic horror film that, given its bloated budget, would have to cull INCEPTION type dough to turn a profit. PACIFIC RIM on the other hand, is far more accessible and likely to make its money back (on a smaller budget to boot). Therein lies the quandary for Mr. del Toro.
Meanwhile, del Toro hasn’t directed anything since 2008’s HELLBOY 2. Dude needs to get back to work, and with the constant impasses on MOUNTAINS, he’s likely to helm PACIFIC RIM instead. If that is the case, word is he’ll immediately try to follow it up with MOUNTAINS…with Tom Cruise of course. The thinking is that after such a time lapse, Universal will be in better financial shape to accommodate del Toro’s dream flick.
Here’s what PACIFIC RIM is all about:
Set in a future in which malevolent creatures threaten the earth, the planet must band together and use highly advanced technology to eradicate the growing menace.
Alright, let’s crack this sucker. Which flick would you like to see del Toro make first: MOUNTAINS or PACIFIC RIM? If the former is really del Toro’s dream project, why doesn’t he shell out his own damn money to help get it made? Surely the dude isn’t poor. Or better yet, what does it say that, even with Tom Cruise attached, Universal is unwilling to finance a $150 million project? A lot to mull over…give us what you got!