When you're an ultra-talented director who has an undeniable eye for stunning visuals and an Oscar nomination under your belt, signing onto one project normally means passing on numerous others.   Such is the case for Guillermo del Toro.   A few days ago, we told you that both del Toro and James Cameron have signed on to respectively direct/produce an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's At the Mountains of Madness. With that deal in the can, and a summer 2011 3D shoot in mind, the question is raised: who/what did del Toro say “thanks, but no thanks” to?

Now, Vulture answers that question.  Hit the jump for the vampire slayer-laden info.

In order to take on the Lovecraft adaptation, del Toro had to walk away from both Tom Cruise and vampire slayer Van Helsing (one would think a pretty persuasive team). Per the report:

“Del Toro had been (and is now no longer) developing a new twist on the story of Van Helsing, vampire slayer, with Tom Cruise producing and possibly starring. (That was also a Universal project.)  However, even with del Toro gone, we hear that Cruise remains attached to the project.”

So, as it stands, Cruise is continuing to develop a film that came out 2004 while del Toro is teaming up with the man who directed and produced the two highest-grossing films of all time.   I'll admit, I believe del Toro is one of the smartest people currently working in the Hollywood studio system.  Nevertheless, this seems like a no-brainer.  While Cruise's project may turn out to be great (probably not, but maybe), I'm going to go ahead and call this game, set, and match for del Toro.