After the mixed reception of the last Hellboy film, many fans were left wondering if the franchise would ever see another cinematic outing. However, excitement is brewing with the announcement of “Hellboy: The Crooked Man.” This new film aims to revitalize the beloved character and his universe.
The screenplay is being crafted by Mike Mignola, the original creator of Hellboy, alongside Chris Golden. The narrative draws inspiration from the comic of the same name, where Hellboy partners with a rookie BPRD agent named Tom Ferrell. Their journey takes them to rural Appalachia in the 1950s, where they encounter a small community plagued by witches and a local devil who has a disturbing connection to Hellboy’s past—the Crooked Man.
Mignola has expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing that it will expand Hellboy’s world through one of the most cherished stories from the comic series. In a recent interview with Variety, he shared his thoughts on the casting of Jack Kesy in the lead role. Mignola admitted he had not met Kesy but had seen enough of his work to feel confident in the choice. He noted that everyone who has collaborated with Kesy speaks highly of him, which adds to Mignola’s optimism.
The film’s director, Brian Taylor, known for his work on “Crank” and “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” is set to bring a darker vision to the project. Mignola revealed that Taylor’s intention is to create a horror film, which aligns perfectly with the tone of the source material. He mentioned that the latest draft of the screenplay is rated R, marking a significant shift in the direction of the franchise. Mignola stated, “I read the new draft of the screenplay yesterday, and yes, it is definitely R. It’s the first Hellboy script that I read and I went, ‘Oh, it’s a horror movie,’ which is what I wanted.”
For years, fans have been advocating for a more intimate approach to Hellboy’s stories, and Mignola believes “The Crooked Man” is the perfect fit. He described it as a subtle, dark folk horror tale that doesn’t involve an overwhelming number of characters or grandiose plots. Instead, it focuses on a more personal narrative, which Mignola considers one of his best works, beautifully illustrated by Richard Corben.
Reflecting on the previous film, Mignola acknowledged David Harbour’s performance, stating that he felt Harbour did not receive a fair chance. He praised Harbour’s talent while recognizing that the film itself had its shortcomings. This acknowledgment highlights Mignola’s desire to see Hellboy return to form, and with “The Crooked Man,” there is hope for a successful revival.
As anticipation builds for the new film, fans are eager to see how the creative team will bring this horror-infused story to life. The prospect of a Hellboy movie that embraces its darker roots is thrilling, and many are hopeful that it will deliver a compelling narrative that honors the character’s legacy.
In addition to the film, the Hellboy universe continues to expand through new comic series. One such series is “The Visitor: How and Why He Stayed,” which is a recent spin-off from Mignola’s iconic Hellboy series. This mini-series is helmed by Chris Roberson, who aims to take the narrative in a more introspective direction.
Roberson, known for his work on “iZombie” and other Mignolaverse titles, shared insights into the new series. The story delves into the mysterious alien assassin introduced in the first Hellboy miniseries, “Seed of Destruction.” This alien, who had been monitoring Hellboy from a distance, ultimately chose to spare his life. “The Visitor: How and Why He Stayed” explores the implications of that decision and the alien’s experiences on Earth.
Roberson expressed his excitement about the opportunity to explore uncharted territories in Hellboy’s life, including moments that have not been depicted in previous comics. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting the ongoing conversation with Mignola and the creative team throughout the development process.
The series promises to blend action and suspense with a more contemplative tone. While it will feature the familiar elements of monsters and demons, it also aims to delve into themes of grief and loss, as the alien character becomes more invested in humanity’s fate. Roberson teased that readers can expect a unique narrative experience, with each issue functioning as a standalone story that contributes to a larger tapestry.
As fans eagerly await both the film and the new comic series, the future of Hellboy appears to be filled with potential. The combination of a horror-centric film and an introspective comic series offers a fresh take on the beloved character, allowing for deeper exploration of his world and the themes that resonate with audiences.
With “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” on the horizon, there is a renewed sense of hope for the franchise. The creative team’s commitment to crafting a horror film that stays true to the essence of Hellboy is encouraging. As the project progresses, fans will be watching closely, hoping for a return to form that honors the character’s rich history while paving the way for new adventures.
Source: Variety, Horror News Network
