Giant robots battling giant monsters is virgin territory for Del Toro, but even the first trailer makes it look like the standout sci-fi film of 2013.

“We wanted a classic big screen movie that had a real sense of scope but which was relevant to normal life and the things we all worry about too,” adds Twyker. Much of the discussion with the trio centres around knowing they wanted something lofty that would fill a cinema screen. All they were missing was the project. But as Andy adds, “From the moment we all read the book, we knew it was the one.”