# In 2006, Guillermo del Toro wrote his passion project. 9 years later, he “knew we were doomed”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-2006-guillermo-del-toro-wrote-his-passion-project-9-years-later-he-knew-we-were-doomed/
- Published: 2026-10-27T14:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T15:56:03+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/in-2006-guillermo-del-toro-wrote-his-passion-project-9-years-later-he-knew-we-were-doomed/
- Topics: Business, Markets

## Key points

- *Crimson Peak* was marketed as horror despite its romantic mystery.
- The 2015 film cost about $60 million and just broke even.
- Del Toro says he expected trouble when promotion targeted horror fans.

## Summary

Guillermo del Toro said he expected *Crimson Peak* to struggle after its promotion focused on horror, even though he saw it as a romance and mystery. The film’s marketing shaped audience expectations, and its box-office performance fell short despite positive reviews.

Del Toro co-wrote the supernatural story in 2006, but it took almost a decade to reach production. Released in 2015 and starring Jessica Chastain and Tom Hiddleston, it cost about $60 million and only just broke even; it has since gained a cult following. Del Toro discussed the marketing in a 2024 interview, saying the film should have been sold around its romance and mystery.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.