Director Guillermo del Toro made a firm declaration at San Diego Comic-Con that the upcoming 20th anniversary re-release of Pan's Labyrinth will not use artificial intelligence in its conversion process. The film is returning to theaters on October 9 in 3D and HDR formats for the first time.
"What we're protecting is the beauty and the redeeming power of art," del Toro stated during the panel discussion. He emphasized that there is "absolutely no goddamn AI" involved in bringing the film to its new formats, framing the choice as essential to preserving artistic integrity. According to del Toro, the decision reflects his commitment to maintaining "a lineage of art" throughout the conversion work.
This announcement arrives as the film industry continues to wrestle with expanding use of artificial intelligence across production and post-production processes. Del Toro's outspoken rejection of AI technology for this project represents a notable public position in an ongoing debate that has created divisions within the creative community. Numerous filmmakers and artists have raised concerns about AI potentially displacing human craftsmanship in various creative roles.
Pan's Labyrinth first arrived in 2006 and earned three Academy Awards, cementing itself as one of del Toro's most celebrated works. The dark fantasy film, which takes place during the Spanish Civil War, has maintained a devoted audience throughout the past two decades. The conversion to 3D and HDR marks a significant technical enhancement to the film since its original theatrical release.
Throughout his career, del Toro has established himself through visually striking films that blend fantasy and horror with practical effects and intricate production design choices. His insistence on relying on human craftsmanship for this re-release aligns with his broader creative philosophy, which prioritizes traditional artistic techniques over digital convenience.
Del Toro recently received a BFI fellowship in recognition of his contributions to cinema and the influence British filmmakers have had on his work. He has cited inspiration from directors including Powell and Pressburger, Ken Russell, and Terence Fisher of Hammer Films. This background in appreciating cinematic artistry and technical craftsmanship appears connected to his stance on the Pan's Labyrinth conversion.
The director's position on AI in this project reflects broader conversations happening throughout the entertainment industry about the role of artificial intelligence in creative work. While some see AI as a valuable tool for efficiency and cost reduction, others argue that it risks undermining the artisanal qualities that distinguish meaningful cinema. Del Toro's decision to exclude AI entirely from the Pan's Labyrinth re-release demonstrates his alignment with those prioritizing human artistic contribution in film restoration and enhancement work.