Guillermo del Torobegan working on the script forThe Shape of Waterwhile makingPacific Rim, and as works likeCrimson PeakandThe Strainconsumed his attention, the director’s fantasy project lingered in the shadows of Hollywood—until now. While it’s all still very mysterious, Fox Searchlight announced the start of production today, confirming the main cast and a few small plot details.
All we know officially aboutThe Shape of Wateris this brief, cryptic logline:
THE SHAPE OF WATER is an other-worldly story, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1963. A mysterious and magical journey from Guillermo del Toro.
Even that, though, brings to mindPan’s Labyrinth, arguably the filmmaker’s most famous and acclaimed work that featured a fantastical story of fairies and magic contrasted by the historical setting. Earlier this year,a rumored plot synopsiscircled the Web, claimingThe Shape of Watercentered around a mute janitor named Elisa working in a lab that houses an amphibious man. Swayed by her affection, she then reportedly helps the creature escape the facility into the dangerous world beyond his confinement.
Sally Hawkins,Michael Shannon, andRichard Jenkinsjoined the castaround May of this year, with Shannon said to be playing a villainous role. The press release for the start of production reveals new additionsDoug Jones(Crimson Peak),Michael Stuhlbarg(Steve Jobs), andOctavia Spencer.
Del Toro will direct and co-wrote the screenplay withVanessa Taylor, who worked on theDivergentmovie script and wrote episodes ofGame of Thrones. Also enticing is the involvement of some creatives, includingCrimson PeakandJohn Wick 2cinematographerDan Laustsenas director of photography and visual effects supervisorDennis Berardi, who worked onPacific RimandFight Club.
No release date has been announced forThe Shape of Water, but it could hit theaters as early as sometime next year.
UPDATE: Check out the first title treatment via del Toro’s twitter.
