Posted on: October 31st, 2025

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is currently lapping up the praise for his adaption of Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein.

Hailed as a “Gothic masterpiece,” and the most striking adaption of the classic work to date, it seems quite natural that del Toro would be intrigued to undertake another classic monster tale.

Speaking recently, del Toro spoke of another legendary property he’d consider putting his own spin on, and it’s one that’s had an equally storied history to Frankenstein.

The Phantom of the Opera began life in 1910 as a novel by Gaston Leroux, and first received an adaption in 1916. Although that film is now considered lost, it was soon adapted again by Universal Pictures in 1925.

Since then, the property has been adapted countless times. The most notable take on Leroux’s material is undoubtedly Andrew Lloyd Weber’s 1986 stage musical, that continues to be performed today. However, The Phantom of the Opera has also graced the big screen again, most notably in 1962 and 1989.

So, if given the chance… what would del Toro do if handed the reins to such a project? Speaking recently, the filmmaker said:
“The Phantom of the Opera, it’s such a classic tale, but I would do it very differently.”

Despite his answer, del Toro was quick to make clear that an adaption of Phantom isn’t on the cards any time soon.
“I have a couple of ideas but for now, I’m going into crime and stop-motion. I feel like a need a change.”

So, with del Toro looking set to step away from the horror genre for the time being, it looks like another Gothic horror adaption isn’t immediately on the cards. However, given the filmmaker’s interest, it can’t hurt to live in hope!

Watch this space, folks.