Whispers in the film industry have ignited excitement and speculation: acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro is reportedly developing a live-action adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s beloved dark fantasy novel Coraline, aiming for a version that stays closer to the source material than the iconic 2009 stop-motion animated film directed by Henry Selick. If true, this project would mark another chapter in del Toro’s fascination with gothic fairy tales, following his Oscar-winning Pinocchio and classics like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water.
The rumor first gained traction in mid-2025, with reports suggesting del Toro envisions a faithful retelling of Gaiman’s 2002 novella. The story follows 11-year-old Coraline Jones, who moves to a new home and discovers a small door leading to an “Other World”—a seemingly perfect mirror of her own, complete with an “Other Mother” who offers buttons for eyes and endless adventures. What begins as a dream quickly turns nightmarish as Coraline realizes the Other Mother is a sinister entity trapping souls. The book emphasizes themes of curiosity, parental neglect, bravery, and the terror of losing one’s identity—elements that del Toro’s signature blend of whimsy and horror could amplify in live-action.
Unlike Selick’s stop-motion masterpiece, which blended dark humor with stylized visuals and earned critical acclaim (including an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature), a del Toro version would likely lean into more visceral, atmospheric dread. Fans speculate practical effects, intricate set design, and del Toro’s love for creatures would bring the Other Mother’s spider-like form and the Other World’s eerie transformations to terrifying life. The film’s tone could echo the psychological unease of Crimson Peak while retaining the story’s child-perspective wonder and peril.
Central to the buzz is casting: Emma Myers, the 23-year-old breakout star from Netflix’s Wednesday (where she played the quirky Enid Sinclair), is said to be del Toro’s top choice for Coraline. Myers’ youthful energy, expressive eyes, and ability to convey innocence mixed with determination make her a strong fit for the curious, defiant protagonist. At the time of the rumor, Myers was in her early 20s, aligning with a slightly older Coraline to handle the role’s emotional and physical demands. Her rising profile—bolstered by roles in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and upcoming projects—positions her as a fresh face capable of carrying a high-profile fantasy film.
Joining the potential ensemble are heavyweights David Harbour and Jennifer Lawrence. Harbour, known for his roles as Jim Hopper in Stranger Things and the titular Hellboy in the 2019 reboot (a del Toro-produced project), could portray Coraline’s distracted father or even the menacing Other Father. His imposing presence and ability to shift from warmth to menace suit the story’s dual-world dynamics. Lawrence, an Oscar winner for Silver Linings Playbook and star of The Hunger Games, might take on the chilling Other Mother/Beldam— a role requiring a chilling transformation from nurturing to monstrous. Her versatility in dramatic and intense parts (Mother!, No Hard Feelings) would add star power and depth to the antagonist.
Other rumored elements include a star-studded supporting cast to flesh out the Pink Palace Apartments’ eccentric neighbors—perhaps Wybie Lovat (absent from the book but invented for the animated film) or the eccentric Mr. Bobinsky. The project would likely emphasize the novel’s darker undertones: the Other Mother’s soul-stealing, the ghost children’s tragic fates, and Coraline’s harrowing escape, potentially with more explicit horror than the family-friendly animation.
Del Toro’s involvement makes sense given his track record. The Mexican filmmaker has long championed dark fairy tales, blending beauty with the grotesque. His stop-motion Pinocchio (2022) reimagined the classic with emotional weight, earning widespread praise. A live-action Coraline would allow him to explore practical creature effects—button-eyed doppelgangers, monstrous rats, and the Other Mother’s needle-fingered hands—in a tangible way that enhances the book’s unsettling atmosphere.
The rumor has sparked divided reactions. Fans of Selick’s film argue the stop-motion format is irreplaceable—its tactile, handmade quality perfectly captures the eerie charm. Others worry a live-action remake risks diluting the story’s magic or veering into unnecessary CGI spectacle. However, proponents see del Toro’s vision as a chance to delve deeper into Gaiman’s prose, perhaps restoring elements like the full extent of the Other Mother’s spider form or the chilling button-sewing threat.
As of early 2026, no official confirmation has come from del Toro, Gaiman, or any studio. The director’s busy slate—post-Pinocchio projects and potential new originals—leaves room for doubt, but the rumor persists across social media and film sites. If it materializes, this adaptation could introduce a new generation to Coraline’s world while honoring the book’s haunting spirit.
For now, it’s a tantalizing “what if”: del Toro’s gothic lens on one of modern fantasy’s most chilling tales, with Myers as the brave explorer and A-listers amplifying the dread. Should it move forward, Coraline live-action could become a landmark in dark fantasy cinema—proving that some stories, like the little door in the drawing room, are worth reopening.
