Benicio del Toro Finally Answers: Will He Step Into the Director's Chair?

Benicio del Toro is not sprinting for the director’s chair, but he’s definitely eyeing it. In a new chat tied to Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest, One Battle After Another, the actor talked about representation, SNL dreams, and a pretty stacked list of directors he still wants to collaborate with. Oh, and he’d like to direct one day — just not right this second.

So… would he actually direct?

Short answer: yes, someday. Speaking with Variety, del Toro said the urge is there, but he’s currently gearing up for another acting gig. He also said years of working with top-tier filmmakers have been their own kind of film school, and when he does step behind the camera, he’d want the story to come from a real place — his own life and identity.

"At some point, I’d like to tell a story that comes from my experience - being American, being Latino, living in this moment."

He was clear he’s not trying to crown himself as the definitive voice. In his view, that voice might still be in high school or college right now. What he wants is more young Latino filmmakers to feel like this is possible — and if his work helps light the path a little, that matters to him.

What he’s doing right now

He’s acting. Del Toro said he’s prepping his next performance, not a directing debut. This comes on the heels of One Battle After Another, where he plays Sensei Sergio St. Carlos for Anderson. If you were wondering where the momentum is coming from, that’s the backdrop.

The dream collaborators list (it’s a good one)

He rattled off a bunch of filmmakers he hasn’t worked with yet but would like to. One fun, very specific Hollywood-nerd detail: he once auditioned for Reservoir Dogs.

• Martin Scorsese
• Steven Spielberg
• Spike Lee
• Kathryn Bigelow
• The Coen brothers
• Quentin Tarantino (yep, he auditioned for Reservoir Dogs)
• Barry Jenkins
• Celine Song

And SNL?

He wants to host someday. No date, no booking — just a genuine interest. Honestly, that would be fun.