## A Conversation with the Master of Monsters: Guillermo del Toro Reflects on Two Decades of Cinema
As part of our IGN30 Icons series, we had the distinct privilege of hosting a deep-dive discussion with the visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. Throughout our conversation, the director offered a rare glimpse into his creative process, his personal gaming preferences, and the collaborative dynamics he shares with Hollywood’s elite.
### Celebrating Two Decades of Pan’s Labyrinth
This year marks the 20th anniversary of *Pan’s Labyrinth*, a dark fantasy masterpiece that remains a cornerstone of modern cinema. To commemorate this milestone, the film is returning to the big screen this weekend.
During our chat, del Toro provided fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into the production, specifically detailing the artistic origins of the terrifying Pale Man. He also discussed the logistical ingenuity required to maximize a modest budget, allowing his team to construct the film’s sprawling, immersive set pieces that still hold up against modern CGI-heavy productions.
### From Blade to BioShock: Unseen Chapters
Beyond his own directorial triumphs, del Toro opened up about the projects that shaped his career and the ones that never quite made it to the finish line. He shared candid memories of his collaboration with Wesley Snipes on Blade 2, crediting the actor for the definitive, gritty persona that defined the character.
Furthermore, he touched upon the “what-ifs” of his career, including his ambitious attempt to bring the underwater dystopia of Rapture to life. He revealed how a single, ill-fated phone call effectively killed his plans to adapt BioShock into a feature film.
### The Maestro’s Legacy
From his early work on *Cronos* to the Academy Award-winning *The Shape of Water* and his highly anticipated upcoming take on *Frankenstein*, del Toro’s influence on the genre is immeasurable. As IGN’s Brian Altano noted during the interview, del Toro has cemented his status as the undisputed maestro of movie monsters.
For those interested in the full transcript of our discussion-covering everything from his partnership with Hideo Kojima to his legendary reliance on Red Bull during production-you can find the complete interview below.
