mutant protagonists

His body horror films like 'The Fly' and 'Videodrome' explore protagonists undergoing grotesque biological mutations as metaphors for human vulnerability and transformation.

His films including 'Pan's Labyrinth' and 'The Shape of Water' feature mutated or non-human protagonists navigating worlds where their otherness is central to the narrative.

His film 'Midnight Special' centers on a boy with superhuman mutant abilities as the protagonist, exploring themes of protection and acceptance around extraordinary transformation.