Guillermo del Toro Bans AI for 'Pan's Labyrinth' 3D Re-Release, Citing a 'Lineage of Art'

Guillermo del Toro has announced the 20th-anniversary re-release of his acclaimed film Pan's Labyrinth, with one firm directive: no artificial intelligence.

According to Variety, the filmmaker detailed the plans at San Diego Comic-Con. Del Toro personally oversaw the process.

What did Guillermo del Toro say about AI?

He was unequivocal. "Obviously I said, ‘Absolutely no goddamn AI,’" del Toro told the audience, a statement met with applause. He framed the decision as a defense of artistic tradition. "What we’re protecting is the beauty and the redeeming power of art. It’s not about who gets the job. We are protecting a lineage of art," he said. "If we cut a generation of people from learning their craft, you’re cutting the rest of the history of that medium away from them for what?"

Del Toro explained he faced a choice between speed and quality for the 3D conversion. "I chose good. You have to put in time. You have to do every element by hand. A human made a decision of depth," he said.

What else is coming with the re-release?

Alongside the theatrical event, del Toro teased a documentary exploring the original film's creation. The feature will include appearances and commentary from actors Jacob Elordi, Cate Blanchett, and Charlie Day.

The re-release will be presented by Cineverse and Fathom 4K in both 3D and 2D HDR formats.

Pan's Labyrinth is a dark fantasy set in 1944 Spain, following a young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who escapes into a mythical labyrinth. The film, which also stars Doug Jones, Maribel Verdú, and Sergi López, earned $83 million worldwide upon its original release and won three Academy Awards. A 4K restoration debuted at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, receiving a lengthy standing ovation reminiscent of the film's historic 22-minute ovation at Cannes two decades ago.