Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Cronos’ Returns in 4K at Sundance 2026
Guillermo del Toro’s first feature, the cult vampire film ‘Cronos,’ will be showcased in a newly restored 4K version at Sundance’s Park City Legacy program on January 27, 2026, with the director present for a special Q&A.
Oscar- winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is stepping away from his latest project, Frankenstein, to revisit the film that launched his career. His 1993 debut, Cronos, a genre-bending vampire tale, is set for a special 4K restoration screening at the Sundance Film Festival as part of the Park City Legacy program. Del Toro will attend the January 27 event, which will include a Q&A session with the acclaimed director following the film.
Park City Legacy Program Honors Past Festival Favorites
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cronos joins a select group of films in the Park City Legacy lineup, a section dedicated to revisiting standout titles from previous Sundance editions. The film originally premiered at Sundance in 1994, sharing the spotlight that year with indie classics like Clerks, Reality Bites, Hoop Dreams, and Four Weddings and a Funeral. The 2026 program, running January 27–30, will also feature digital restorations of Little Miss Sunshine, Half Nelson, Mysterious Skin, Saw, and more, celebrating the festival’s rich history.
‘Cronos’: A Unique Take on Vampire Lore
While Cronos fits the mold of a vampire movie, del Toro’s vision goes far beyond the usual tropes. Instead of focusing on seductive predators, the film weaves in mythological elements and emotional depth. The story centers on an antique dealer who discovers a mysterious artifact, unwittingly transforming himself into a vampire. Though he gains eternal youth, he’s soon plagued by an insatiable thirst for blood. As he struggles with his new reality, he must also fend off those determined to reclaim the ancient device that grants these powers.
The Rotten Tomatoes synopsis describes it as follows:
Antique dealer Jesús Gris (Federico Luppi) stumbles across Cronos, a 400-year-old scarab that, when it latches onto him, grants him youth and eternal life – but also a thirst for blood. As Jesús enjoys his newfound vitality, he's unaware that a dying old man, Dieter de La Guardia (Claudio Brook), has sent his nephew, Angel (Ron Perlman), to find the scarab and bring it back to him. But Jesús will not give immortality up easily, even risking the life of his orphan granddaughter (Tamara Shanath).
Del Toro’s Debut Still Resonates Decades Later
Cronos marked a powerful start for del Toro, quickly establishing his reputation in the horror world. More than three decades after its release, the film stands out for its fresh approach to the vampire genre, inviting viewers to empathize with the monsters lurking in the shadows. It’s a far cry from the typical horror films of the ’90s, offering a character-driven narrative that makes you root for the so-called villain.