Guillermo Del Toro, renowned for his Oscar-winning films like The Shape of Water and popular blockbusters such as Hellboy and Pacific Rim, continually captivates audiences with his unique storytelling and directorial flair. As a dedicated fan, the anticipation for his new projects is always thrilling. However, a notable number of his announced films remain unrealized, creating a sense of longing among fans.
Among the most missed projects is Del Toro’s adaptation for Justice League Dark, which held great promise considering his outstanding work on Hellboy. Furthermore, his envisioned take on The Hobbit still resonates with enthusiasts, as he was originally slated to direct the prequel to The Lord of the Rings before Peter Jackson took charge. Additionally, many fans felt let down by Pacific Rim: Uprising, which failed to meet expectations compared to Del Toro’s original vision for the sequel.
The Absence of Del Toro in Pacific Rim 2 Still Stings Six Years Post-Uprising
Pacific Rim: More Than Just Giant Robots Battling Monsters
The original Pacific Rim is a masterclass in combining action, creativity, and emotional depth. From the exhilarating action sequences featuring Jaegers to the visually stunning set designs, the film is a true spectacle. Del Toro’s ability to develop a diverse ensemble cast made the storyline more engaging, allowing audiences to connect with various characters, such as Mako Mori, who has emerged as a significant figure in the action genre.
When it was announced that Del Toro would not return to helm the sequel, many fans felt a profound sense of disappointment. Even understanding that his commitment to The Shape of Water took precedence does not alleviate the letdown that followed the release of Pacific Rim: Uprising.
Pacific Rim: Uprising: A Stark Contrast to Del Toro’s Vision
Pacific Rim: Uprising’s Shortcomings with Critics and Audiences
Pacific Rim: Uprising struggled to recapture the enchantment of its predecessor, leaving many critics and fans disappointed. The contrasts between Del Toro’s original film and the sequel highlight its shortcomings, contributing to its underwhelming box office performance.
Movie |
Box Office |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Pacific Rim |
$411,002,906 |
72% |
Pacific Rim: Uprising |
$290,930,148 |
42% |
While the original film featured unique kaiju and Jaeger battles, Uprising felt repetitive and formulaic, lacking the emotional weight that characterized Del Toro’s creation. New characters were inadequately developed, which diminished the sequel’s depth, and the absence of beloved originals like Raleigh Becket only compounded the disappointment.
Despite its shortcomings, Pacific Rim: Uprising had the potential to be outstanding, particularly with John Boyega at the forefront, who infused energy and charisma throughout the film. Unfortunately, it failed to deliver the style and substance that audiences had come to expect. Nevertheless, there is hope on the horizon as the Pacific Rim universe continues to expand with an upcoming prequel series.
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