Twenty years after it first enchanted audiences and critics alike, Guillermo del Toro's dark fantasy masterpiece Pan's Labyrinth is heading back to the big screen—and this time, it's getting a 3D makeover. Cineverse and Fathom Entertainment have released the first trailer for the 20th anniversary theatrical re-release, which hits theaters on October 9.
The new version, personally overseen by del Toro, will be presented in stunning 4K resolution, with select screenings offering the film in 3D and HDR for the very first time. A 2D HDR presentation will also be available. To sweeten the deal, del Toro has recorded a brand-new voiceover introduction, showing just how seriously he takes this milestone.
Originally released in 2006, Pan's Labyrinth earned a legendary 22-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival—a record that still stands. It went on to earn six Academy Award nominations and won three Oscars, for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Makeup. The film remains one of the most acclaimed fantasy movies ever made, blending historical horror, breathtaking creature design, and emotional gut-punches that still feel fresh two decades later.
Set in 1944 Spain, in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, the story follows young Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) as she moves to the countryside with her pregnant mother and her monstrous stepfather, Captain Vidal (Sergi López). While Vidal hunts down rebels hiding in the nearby forest, Ofelia discovers a hidden labyrinth and meets an ageless Faun (Doug Jones), who tells her she is actually a princess from an enchanted world. It's the kind of escape you'd never expect from a quiet walk in the woods.
The cast also includes Maribel Verdú as Mercedes, the housekeeper with a secret, and Doug Jones pulling double duty as both the Faun and the terrifying Pale Man. Jones, a frequent del Toro collaborator, also starred in The Shape of Water and brings his signature physicality to both roles.
In a statement, del Toro explained the motivation behind the re-release: "Pan's Labyrinth turns 20 years old, and in Cineverse we have found the perfect partner to make it live again on the big screen and in new and improved home presentations. Cineverse is committed and bold, and their track record for reaching a maximum audience is magnificent. Together we will reconnect the generations that have shared the film through the years and long to experience it theatrically again."
For fans of dark fantasy, this is a rare chance to see a modern classic in its most immersive form yet. If you've never experienced Pan's Labyrinth on the big screen—or if you want to relive its magic with a fresh perspective—mark your calendars. Tickets go on sale September 9, ahead of the October 9 release.
Looking for more fantasy gems? Check out our list of 5 fantasy films that outshine The Lord of the Rings, or dive into 8 dark fantasy books that are flawlessly written masterpieces. And if you're in the mood for something completely different, Jason Statham's fantasy revenge flick is so bad it's a must-watch.
