At the Mountains of Madness
On July 28, 2010, it was reported that del Toro would next direct an adaptation of H. P. Lovecraft's "At the Mountains of Madness" for Universal Studios, with James Cameron producing. When del Toro met with Legendary Pictures to discuss the possibility of collaborating with them on a film, he was intrigued by Beacham's treatment—still a "very small pitch" at this point. Del Toro struck a deal with Legendary: while directing "At the Mountains of Madness", he would produce and co-write "Pacific Rim"; because of the films' conflicting production schedules, he would direct "Pacific Rim" only if "At the Mountains of Madness" were cancelled. Tom Cruise was attached to star in the Lovecraft adaptation.