Michael Shannon Eyed for Guillermo del Toro’s Mystery Film

Guillermo del Toro’s next project is shaping up quite nicely, with Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer and Michael Stuhlbarg already set to star in what’s being described as an “otherworldly” love story set against the backdrop of the Cold War. The latest casting update not only reveals that Michael Shannon is in talks to join the lineup, but confirms last week’s rumor that Richard Jenkins is also coming aboard.

The Wrap reports that Shannon is in talks to join del Toro’s mystery project, while Jenkins’ casting has apparently been made official. Shannon is no stranger to the otherworldly, having recently headlined Jeff Nichols’ sci-fi drama Midnight Special. Although plot and character specifics for del Toro’s project are being kept under wraps, a recent report suggested a few possible additional details.

A rumor last week suggested that the film is titled The Shape of Water, and stars Hawkins as a mute woman who works in a laboratory where an “amphibious man” is being held captive and studied. When an unlikely romance develops, she attempts a daring rescue mission that may result in unexpected — and dangerous — consequences.

Jenkins’ potential casting was also included in that report, which may lend some credence to the rumor; however, representatives for the project have maintained that the only official description for the film is this one: “An other-worldly story, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1963. A mysterious and magical journey from master storyteller Guillermo del Toro.”

We should learn more about del Toro’s latest project relatively soon, as production is set to begin later this summer.