How James Cameron Helped Guillermo del Toro During Family Crisis
Guillermo del Toro opens up about the harrowing ordeal of his father's abduction and the unexpected role James Cameron played in helping his family through the crisis. Del Toro also shares insights into his creative journey and future projects.
Guillermo del Toro recently recounted a deeply personal chapter from his past, revealing the extraordinary support he received from James Cameron during a family emergency nearly three decades ago. Their friendship, which began during the making of Cronos, had already grown strong by the early 1990s, a time when Cameron was making waves in Hollywood with groundbreaking visual effects in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Appearing on the 'Awards Chatter' podcast, del Toro described the bond he shares with Cameron:
"He's my brother, we are that close and I love him so dearly."
He went on to share the terrifying experience of his father Federico's abduction in Guadalajara. Criminals, aware of Federico's 1969 lottery win, held him captive for 72 days. The kidnappers issued chilling threats, demanding $3 million within three days, $5 million in five days, or they would send his head in a box.
Despite the family's financial background, del Toro explained that his father had always raised them with blue-collar values, and none of them had direct access to the money. When the kidnappers first made contact, del Toro's brother broke the news, prompting Guillermo to rush home. In a remarkable gesture, James Cameron arranged for a professional negotiator to fly in from England, covering the negotiator's expenses but not the ransom itself. Del Toro described the kidnapping operation as being run like a franchise, with the same mastermind orchestrating multiple abductions at once.
Managing the Ordeal
Del Toro and his brothers divided the responsibilities of handling the crisis, with Guillermo taking charge of the final third of the negotiations. The family ultimately paid $1 million to secure Federico's release. The ordeal left a lasting mark on del Toro, shaping his perspective on life and the unpredictable nature of fate.
Reflections on Mortality and New Directions
In a separate conversation at the Marrakech Film Festival, del Toro offered a candid take on mortality, expressing a surprisingly positive outlook. He admitted to being fascinated by death, viewing it as a release from life's burdens and challenges.
Looking ahead, del Toro is preparing to reunite with Oscar Isaac for a new thriller titled Fury. He described the project as "very cruel, very violent," signaling a return to the darker, more grounded storytelling seen in films like Nightmare Alley. Del Toro emphasized his desire to break away from his usual style and try something completely different.
Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
Del Toro's creative ambitions continue to expand. He is currently working on a new adaptation of Frankenstein, set for release on October 17, 2025. The film will feature Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi in leading roles, promising a fresh take on the classic story. As del Toro explores new genres and themes, his willingness to embrace change and challenge himself remains at the heart of his evolving career.