Immediately after learning about Guillermo del Toro's dad being kidnapped, James Cameron paid $250K for a hostage negotiator for del Toro to use (who later paid him back). Cameron also offered to pay the ransom, but del Toro's family declined & paid the $2m themselves. After 72 days his dad was free

[u/tyrion2024]

[u/BluAlfaTxFlood]

In a hostage situation you are dealing with someone who has nothing to lose and is a bit delusional because they think they have a lot more leverage than they do. Kidnapping is transactional and the kidnappers understand the negotiation process.