As I’m sure y’all have heard by now, Guillermo del Toro has stepped down as The Hobbit director. While this causes lots of teeth gnashing within the geek community, I see this as a good… no… GREAT thing.

del Toro is not always at his best in other people’s playgrounds. The worst film he directed, Blade II practically destroyed the burgeoning franchise. The mediocre Hellboy and the nearly unwatchable Hellboy II: The Golden Army feel like something to pay the bills between his own projects.

Scene from Hellboy II: The Golden Army

His skills as both director and writer really shine in movies that he develops whole cloth. His first full length picture the creepy Cronos offered a unique take on the vampire myth. While his first large budget film, Mimic may not be fantastic, it’s still more memorable than Blade II and both Hellboys.

Scene from Cronos

del Toro’s third film introduced the first of his planned Spanish Civil War trilogy and effectively showcased his unique talents. Set in an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War, the terrifying Devil’s Backbone (El espinazo del diablo) moved del Toro from a director to keep an eye on to a must-see filmmaker.

For the second installment, del Toro outdid himself. Creating an exquisite fairy tale for adults, Pan’s Labyrinth (El laberinto del fauno) propelled del Toro into the upper echelons of genre directors.

Scene from Pan’s Labyrinth

So with all this evidence, I was confused as to why people were so excited about him filming The Hobbit. Clearly, del Toro excels when working on his own creations. Personally, I welcome the third Spanish Civil War film than another adaptation.

So Guillermo, if you are reading, I’m sorry you lost the big gig (and more importantly two years of work), but I am very excited about the prospect of an original movie from you. You are among the field’s best and brightest. Let’s see some more of the stuff rattling around in your head. I’ll be among the first in line to experience it!