Guillermo del Toro Signs Multi-Year Exclusive Deal With DreamWorks Animation

Oscar winner previously collaborated with studio on “Trollhunters,” “Kung Fu Panda” films

Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water
Photographed by Megan Mack for TheWrap

Guillermo del Toro has signed a multi-year exclusive deal with DreamWorks Animation, the studio announced Thursday.

Del Toro will write, produce and direct animated family films for the studio, and as part of the arrangement, he has taken up offices at the Glendale campus.

Del Toro’s most recent collaborations with DreamWorks Animation Television was when he created and executive produced the Emmy Award-winning series “Trollhunters.” The series, part of del Toro’s “Tales of Arcadia” trilogy, will continue with “3 Below” and “Wizards,” set to debut on Netflix in 2018 and 2019.

He also served as an executive producer on “Rise of the Guardians,” “Puss in Boots” and “Kung Fu Panda 3,” as well as a creative consultant for “Kung Fu 2” and “Megamind.”

During his agreement, he will work with DreamWorks Animation Film Group president Chris deFaria and the studio’s other artists and technologists on the pilot programs and other storytelling methods on multiple content platforms.

“We are thrilled that Guillermo is adding a film partnership to the already successful television relationship he has with DreamWorks Animation,” said deFaria in a statement. “He is truly a one- of-a- kind artist, and we are eager to see his imagination on full display in the family animated feature space.  Guillermo has a unique talent for creating memorable worlds and characters, and we believe the films we create with him will resonate with animation audiences for many generations to come.  I am personally very excited to extend the long working relationship I have enjoyed with Guillermo and look forward to him also collaborating with us on some of our breakthrough advancements in technology and innovation.”

Del Toro added, “Animation is an art form that has influenced my work greatly since childhood.  To me, it’s the perfect medium to bring to life any and all ideas, no matter how outlandish or wild.  I am eager to work with Chris and the talented artists at DreamWorks – some of the most talented people in the business – to make these images a reality.  I have worked with DreamWorks for about a decade and the horizon just keeps getting wider.”

Del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” recently won four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director after receiving 13 nominations. His other credits include “Hellboy,” “Pacific Rim,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “The Book of Life” and “Blade II.”

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