By David Salazar, d.salazar@latinospost.com (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Jul 04, 2013 12:39 AM EDT

Guillermo Del Toro's "Pacific Rim" hits theaters next weekend, but the director is geared up to start on his upcoming project "Crimson Peak." During the press tour for "Pacific Rim" in San Francisco, the auteur spoke to the media about what excites him most about his next project.

"It's a sick little movie which I like," Del Toro revealed about "Crimson Peak."

The film is in the midst of pre-production and is expected to start shooting in February 2014. The project already boasts a dream cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska and "Pacific Rim" star Charlie Hunnam.  

Regarding the influences for the film, Del Toro noted, "It is very Dauphne du Maurier.  It is basically a love story that turns into a horror story... with ghosts."

Del Toro added, "And I think it's really gothic in the trappings. There are a couple of really sick characters in it. Really, really twisted characters."

After dropping some hints on the film's style and narrative, the director also told reporters the most exciting aspect of the project.   

"I think I'm extremely excited about the cheekbone ration between Benedict [Cumberbatch] and Jessica Chastain," he joked. "That's the highest cheekbone ratio of any gothic movie... they have fantastic cheekbones."

Immediately after this response, the Mexican director was asked about his sense of humor and where it came from.

"I think my father. He's the toughest guy I know and he's the funniest guy I know," Del Toro revealed. "He's super deadpan about it and he always succeeds. He gives amazing punch lines."

According to IMDB.com, "Crimson Peak" is slated for an April 2015 release date. Del Toro's latest project "Pacific Rim" hits theaters on June 12, 2013.