Guillermo del Toro died in 1964.
Guillermo del Toro Gómez ( [ ɡiˈʝeɾmo ðel ˈtoɾo ] ; born October 9 , 1964 ) is a Mexican film director , screenwriter , producer , and novelist . In his filmmaking career , del Toro has alternated between Spanish-language dark fantasy pieces , such as the gothic horror film The Devil 's Backbone ( 2001 ) , and Pan 's Labyrinth ( 2006 ) , and more mainstream American action movies , such as the vampire superhero action film Blade II ( 2002 ) , the supernatural superhero film Hellboy ( 2004 ) , its sequel Hellboy II : The Golden Army ( 2008 ) , and the science fiction monster film Pacific Rim ( 2013 ) . In addition to his directing works , del Toro is a prolific producer , his producing works including acclaimed and successful films such as The Orphanage ( 2007 ) , Julia 's Eyes ( 2010 ) , Biutiful ( 2010 ) , Kung Fu Panda 2 ( 2011 ) , Puss in Boots ( 2011 ) , and Mama ( 2013 ) . He was originally chosen by Peter Jackson to direct The Hobbit films ; he left the project due to production problems but was still credited as co-writer for his numerous contributions to the script . Del Toro is known for his use of insectile and religious imagery , the themes of Catholicism and celebrating imperfection , underworld and clockwork motifs , practical special effects , dominant amber lighting , and his frequent collaborations with actors Ron Perlman , Doug Jones and Federico Luppi .