For filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, it seems as though the idea of what could be lying beneath the surface has always captured his imagination and motivated his creativity. Films such as Mimic, The Devil’s Backbone, Pacific Rim and particularly the Oscar-winning Pan’s Labyrinth have all dealt with hidden terrors and worlds operating just out of the awareness of everyday life – and this curiosity with the unknown has built del Toro a very specific and dedicated fanbase.
While del Toro’s most recent effort, Crimson Peak somewhat under-performed at the box office, the director recently listed it as one of the three films of his that he loves the most. It is precisely this sort of independent spirit that adds spice to his filmmaking and strengthens the overall content he creates. Never content to simply stick with one medium or aspect of filmmaking, del Toro’s latest endeavor is bringing to life Trollhunters, the new animated Netflix series based on his own Young Adult novel of the same name.
Fans of del Toro’s work have been patiently waiting for Trollhunters, ever since it was originally announced as a film back in 2010. The intended film eventually became a TV series and now, some six years later we finally have our first look at the trailer, courtesy of Netflix, which you can check out above. In addition to the trailer, below you’ll also find a brand new poster for the series and Netflix has revealed that Trollhunters will make its official arrival on December 23 this year.
The trailer reveals a world beneath the surface where trolls both good and evil dwell and struggle with one another for supremacy. When young Jim Lake Jr (Anton Yelchin) discovers the sacred amulet of the trolls while on his way to school one morning, the good trolls appoint him the chosen one, meaning that he is responsible for the protection of the troll world as well as the human world against the encroachment of evil trolls. With the help of his two bests friends, Jim takes on the official title of The Trollhunter – the first human to ever be granted such an honor – kicking off in the process what looks like a rousing animated adventure.
Alongside some good-looking animation, the series also features the voices of Kelsey Grammer (The Simpsons, Neighbors 2), frequent del Toro collaborator (and Hellboy actor) Ron Perlman, Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) and Charlie Saxton (Young & Hungry). It’s hard to say whether del Toro’s latest project will be able to maintain that important balance between children’s animated series and fun for adults as well, but this first look at the trailer provides some assurance that Trollhunters will draw in significant interest – at least initially.
The arrival of a del Toro’s Trollhunters comes at a time where Netflix audiences are increasingly becoming accustomed to well-made and engaging original programming. Seen from this angle and considering that the entire series is the brainchild of del Toro, there’s a great chance that Trollhunters will quickly amass a dedicated following, should it click with audiences.
NEXT: Trollhunters Image Gallery
Trollhunters premieres December 23rd, 2016 on Netflix
