Michael Shannon To Play ‘Amphibious Man’ In Guillermo Del Toro’s Next Movie

General Zod teaming up with the director of ‘Hellboy’ to star as a variation on ‘The Creature From The Black Lagoon?’ Yes please!

Of course, the over-zealous comic book/monster movie fans among us might want to hold our horses, as early word is the next movie from director Guillermo del Toro - which The Wrap reports Michael Shannon has entered negotiations to star in - might be a little more down to earth than it sounds.

Rumoured to be entitled ‘The Shape of Water,’ del Toro’s next film is tentatively described as a “Cold War love story,” set in America in 1963 (i.e. in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis).

That said, the film is also said to have an “other-worldly” element - which would almost seem to go without saying as del Toro has never made a movie which didn’t in some way involve the supernatural.

Shannon (most recently seen in ‘Midnight Special,’ and briefly in ‘Batman V Superman’) is set to star opposite Sally Hawkins (’Paddington,’ ‘Godzilla’), who will reportedly portray “a mute woman who works at a lab where an amphibious man is being held captive.

“She soon falls in love with him and decides to help him escape, though her actions may have unintended consequences.”

Sounds potentially absurd - but del Toro’s previous critical hits ‘The Devil’s Backbone’ and ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ have proved he knows how to balance bizarre fantastical elements with stark realism.

The illustrious supporting cast includes Richard Jenkins (’The Cabin in the Woods’), Michael Stuhlbarg (’A Serious Man’), and ‘The Help’ Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer.

As well as directing (no word on whether or not he’s also written the script), Del Toro will produce alongside Callum Greene, who also co-produced the director’s last two films ‘Pacific Rim’ and ‘Crimson Peak.’

Given that both del Toro’s last two big budget films were not quite the critical or commercial successes that had been anticipated, it seems likely ‘The Shape of Water’ (if this is the final title) may see him return to working on a somewhat smaller scale.

Del Toro takes the project on after opting out of directing the ‘Pacific Rim’ sequel, ‘Pacific Rim: Maelstrom,’ which is set to be directed by Steven S DeKnight (though del Toro remains on board as co-writer and producer).

Picture Credit: WENN

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