“I wrote them from experience”: Guillermo del Toro Gave Us the Most Despicable Version of Michael Shannon That He Had Endured in Hollywood Before
Guillermo del Toro is known for weaving complex narratives and characters into his movies and shows. And the filmmaker has opened up about how his real-life experiences often inspire such characters, as was the case with Michael Shannon’s Richard Strickland in the award-winning film The Shape of Water.
Brought to life with chilling precision by Shannon, Strickland embodies cruelty and oppressive authority. The filmmaker later revealed how his personal experiences in Hollywood served as a powerful source of inspiration for crafting the despicable character in the movie.
Guillermo del Toro revealed the inspiration behind Michael Shannon’s villain in The Shape of Water
Starring Sally Hawkins in the lead role of Elisa Esposito, Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water introduced audiences to a deeply unsettling antagonist in Colonel Richard Strickland, portrayed by Michael Shannon.
Strickland embodies authoritarianism, cruelty, and entitlement — traits that make him a despicable character, especially in regard to his treatment of the Amphibian Man and Elisa.
What makes the character even more chilling is the filmmaker’s revelation that he based the character on individuals he had encountered in Hollywood. Talking about how a flaw or vulnerability often makes the story even more compelling, del Toro told Den of Geek,
I think it is. And Shannon’s very moving in those scenes where he’s basically being dressed down. I wrote those thinking of meetings I had with studio executives. So I wrote them from experience!
The filmmaker further reflected on his challenging experiences in Hollywood, suggesting that the film’s villain represented the darker side of authority and unchecked power.
“I’ve had other meetings for movies that have been unpleasant,” he said, referencing his struggles on several projects, including the 1997 sci-fi horror film Mimic, during which he faced significant creative differences with studio executives, Harvey Weinstein and Bob Weinstein.
Guillermo del Toro praised Michale Shannon for precisely embodying the antagonist
Michael Shannon has earned a reputation for delivering powerful performances as some of cinema’s most despicable villains, whether it’s as Colonel Strickland in The Shape of Water or as the infamous General Zod in Man of Steel.
However, what sets him apart is his ability to infuse these characters with depth, humanity, and vulnerability, transforming them into multi-dimensional figures rather than mere archetypes of villainy.
Guillermo del Toro praised the actor’s unique talent, revealing that he had written the character of Strickland with the actor in mind. “No matter what dark dimensions his characters possess,” he told Esquire in an interview.
He further explained,
He always brings a humanity, almost a vulnerability. I’ve never worked with anyone that combines precision and emotion to such a degree.
Del Toro also highlighted Shannon’s unwavering commitment to his roles, noting that the actor never breaks character on set. “There’s never ever a moment where you say to him, ‘How ’bout them Yankees?’ He wants to be working or in silence,” he said.
Shannon has also expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to work with del Toro. While his performance received widespread acclaim, many were disappointed when he was not nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars, despite the strength and complexity of his portrayal.
The Shape of Water is available to watch on Disney+.
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