Guillermo del Toro made a triumphant return to the Sundance Film Festival in 2026 with a special screening of his groundbreaking 1994 film “Cronos.” This restored 4K version, presented by Janus Films, was showcased on January 27 at the Ray Theatre as part of the Park City Legacy program, which celebrates iconic moments from the festival as it prepares to relocate to Boulder, Colorado. The screening was followed by an extended Q&A session with the director, allowing fans and aspiring filmmakers to engage directly with the celebrated auteur.
In a delightful parallel event, Netflix hosted a private party in Del Toro’s honor during the festival. The acclaimed Mexican filmmaker took the opportunity to showcase his culinary skills, surprising guests—including notable figures like Elijah Wood, The Daniels, and Greta Gandbhir—by making tacos and tortillas. The gathering reached a festive peak when Del Toro performed renditions of classic ranchera songs alongside a mariachi band. His lively performance included beloved tracks like “La Bamba,” “La Malagueña,” “Ella,” “México Lindo y Querido,” and “Canción Mixteca,” drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Del Toro’s presence at Sundance underlined his enduring connection to the festival, which originally showcased “Cronos” more than three decades ago. This event not only celebrated his past but also spotlighted his current project, “Frankenstein,” set to re-release in Mexico on February 5, 2026. The festival, running from January 23 to 29, complemented Del Toro’s milestones with other legacy screenings, including “Little Miss Sunshine,” and discussions at the historic Egyptian Theatre. Furthermore, “Frankenstein” is generating significant buzz as it competes with nine nominations at the upcoming 2026 Academy Awards.
Del Toro’s contributions to cinema, both through his storytelling and his cultural celebrations, continue to inspire a new generation of filmmakers, highlighting the importance of artistic legacy and community engagement in the film industry.