Guillermo del Toro Opens Up About James Cameron’s Role in Family Crisis
Guillermo del Toro reflects on a harrowing family ordeal and the unexpected support he received from James Cameron, while also sharing insights into his creative journey and what’s next for his films.
Guillermo del Toro has spoken candidly about a deeply personal chapter from his past, revealing the extraordinary lengths James Cameron went to when del Toro’s father was abducted nearly three decades ago. Their friendship, which began during the making of Cronos, has only grown stronger over the years, with Cameron’s support proving invaluable during one of the most challenging periods of del Toro’s life.
During a chat on the ‘Awards Chatter’ podcast, del Toro described his bond with Cameron, saying,
“He’s my brother, we are that close and I love him so dearly.”
He recounted the terrifying moment when his father, Federico, was taken by criminals in Guadalajara. The kidnappers, aware of Federico’s 1969 lottery windfall, held him captive for 72 days. Their demands were chilling: $3 million within three days, $5 million in five days, or they’d send his head in a box.
Unlikely Help from a Hollywood Mate
Despite the family’s blue-collar upbringing, the del Toros had no real access to the lottery money. When the call came through, Guillermo’s brother broke the news, prompting him to rush home. It was then that Cameron stepped in, sending a professional negotiator from England to assist. Cameron covered the negotiator’s costs, though not the ransom itself. According to del Toro, these kidnappings were run like franchises, with the same organiser managing several abductions at once.
Guillermo and his brothers divided the responsibilities, with Guillermo himself handling the final stretch of negotiations. In the end, the family paid $1 million to secure Federico’s release, a sum far less than the original demand but still a massive burden.
Facing Mortality and Looking Ahead
In a separate conversation at the Marrakech Film Festival, del Toro shared his rather unique perspective on mortality. He admitted to being quite the fan of death, viewing it as a welcome escape from life’s troubles. This candid admission offered a glimpse into the mind of a filmmaker known for exploring the darker corners of human experience.
Turning to his professional life, del Toro is gearing up for a reunion with Oscar Isaac in the upcoming thriller Fury. He described the project as
“very cruel, very violent,”
and suggested it would mark a return to the grittier style seen in Nightmare Alley, rather than his more fantastical works. Del Toro expressed a keen interest in pushing his creative boundaries and trying something entirely new.
New Projects on the Horizon
Among his much-anticipated projects is Frankenstein, set for release on 17 October 2025. The film will feature Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi in leading roles, promising a fresh take on the classic tale. Del Toro’s willingness to experiment and his openness about personal struggles continue to set him apart in the world of cinema.