Del toro signs four-picture deal with Universal

Guillermo del Toro has signed a four-picture deal which will see him helm films based on Frankenstein, Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Slaughterhouse Five, it has been confirmed.

Universal Studios has developed the deal with the director – which also involves an adaptation of a novel entitled Drood - linking him to the company until 2017.

However, work on the new ventures will not start until del Toro has completed work on The Hobbit films – which he has committed to for the next five years.

Speaking to Variety, the Pan's Labyrinth director said: "No one expected The Hobbit to come about; it was the most marvellous monkey wrench tossed into my life.

"I consider [the new deals] the renewal of my marital vows with Universal."

Universal production president Donna Langley said the deal was indicative of the studios' faith in the Mexican director's talent.

She added that her organisation was confident he will "put his creative stamp on these properties."

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