Guillermo del Toro says making ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ was a miracle: “Everything that could go wrong did”

Guillermo del Toro has plenty of great films under his belt, but Pan’s Labyrinth remains one of his most celebrated. On Rotten Tomatoes, only Pinocchio (96%) ranks higher, with Pan’s Labyrinth sitting at a remarkable 95%. But according to Del Toro, the movie’s success hides a painful truth: filming it was anything but smooth, and the fact that it was completed at all feels “almost like a miracle.”

Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, Del Toro didn’t sugarcoat the experience.“Pre‑production was very hard — nobody wanted to finance it. During production, everything went wrong. And post‑production was just as difficult,” he said.

“Twenty years ago, making this movie felt like swimming against the current every single day. It was the second‑worst filmmaking experience of my life. The worst was Mimic with the Weinsteins. That was horrible.”

Despite the chaos behind the scenes, Pan’s Labyrinth became a landmark achievement — a dark fairy tale set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. And it was at Cannes, exactly 20 years ago, where the film earned what is still considered the longest standing ovation in the festival’s history: 22 straight minutes of applause. Del Toro has often said he wouldn’t be the filmmaker he is today without this movie.

What ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ is about

Set in 1944, during Spain’s post‑war period, the story follows Ofelia and her pregnant mother, Carmen, who move to a remote outpost where Carmen’s new husband — Captain Vidal, a ruthless officer in Franco’s army — has been stationed. Ofelia feels no affection for him.

Vidal’s mission is to wipe out the last remnants of the Republican resistance hiding in the surrounding mountains. Living on the base are Mercedes, the housekeeper, and a doctor who cares for Carmen.

One night, Ofelia discovers the ruins of an ancient labyrinth and meets a faun who reveals a startling truth: she is actually a lost princess, the last of her royal bloodline. To return to her magical kingdom, she must complete three dangerous trials.

Who stars in the film

The cast includes standout performances from Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Álex Angulo, Federico Luppi, and a young Ivana Baquero as Ofelia.

Where to watch ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’

In the United States, the film is available on Amazon Prime Video, Fandango and Apple TV.

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