After Columbia backed out of Hellboy II, DVD sales inspired Universal to jump aboard. Were you ever nervous that it wouldn’t see the light of day?

Guillermo del Toro: I was prepared for it to go either way so I had other things going. There was even Halo for a while. When Hellboy II came forth through Universal, I dropped out of everything. I love Hellboy that much.

That conviction is admirable.

Guillermo del Toro: It’s funny, people talk about my small, personal movies like Pan’s Labyrinth or The Devil’s Backbone and say I do Hellboy to appease financial needs. It’s not true at all. If that was the case, I would’ve taken other big money projects I’ve been offered.

You’ve been vocal about your rough time on your first American project, 1997’s Mimic. Do American studios treat you differently now?

Guillermo del Toro:I can say two words now that I didn’t say enough back then: “Fuck off.” If I don’t defend it enough, then at the end of the day, the director—me—is responsible. You get that little credit that says, “A film by…,” but you also get the shit that comes with it. I defend myself better now.

Why are international genre films so much better than American ones?

Guillermo del Toro: When you make films in Europe and Latin America, you make them on your own. In Hollywood, it’s much harder to get your personality through. Internationally, if you want to tackle abortion or incest through horror, they allow it. In America, there’s a tendency to make safer rides.

So why do so many talented international filmmakers come to America and succumb to the terrible remake trend?

Guillermo del Toro: The danger is for Hollywood to be the goal. Hollywood should be a station of the cross, never the crucifixion itself.

Do you ever see yourself stepping away from genre/fantasy films?

Guillermo del Toro: No. I keep a little notebook with me and just do sketches of creatures. I love monsters with a passion. I keep inventing new ones, many of which will never see the light of day in a movie. Monsters are the most beautiful creatures in the universe. I have no interest in everyday life, except through a twisted mirror.

So no romantic comedies?

Guillermo del Toro: [Laughs.] No way. Sleepless in Seattle can go fuck itself. Home // CELEBRITIES // THE SHOTCALLER // Guillermo Del Toro