Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy films were unique entries in the superhero landscape during the 2000s when Marvel and DC were starting to dominate the genre. The character was almost unknown compared to X-Men, Spider-Man, or Batman whose films were doing great at the box office at the time. Nonetheless, del Toro created something special with the two films with Ron Pearlman in the titular role.
The IP was rebooted in 2019 with David Harbour taking over the role from Pearlman. The film was a colossal failure and was a significant step down from the greatness of del Toro’s films. Hellboy is getting a second reboot from Brian Taylor but fans are not impressed with how the new film looks and are concerned that it will be worse than the 2019 reboot.
Fans Are Calling The New Hellboy Reboot A Cheap Fan-Made Film
Hellboy is a property that has seen several incarnations over the years. Guillermo del Toro‘s films embraced the fun elements of the character while also integrating his weird antics and gothic elements. His two Hellboy films were a welcome departure from the usual superhero treatment from Marvel and DC.
Many filmmakers have tried to reboot the IP and have failed miserably (with David Harbour‘s 2019 reboot). Now, director Brian Taylor is coming up with his wacky take on the character with the upcoming film Hellboy: The Crooked Man. The first trailer was released recently and fans are not happy with the cheap-looking prosthetics of the titular hero.
On X, fans are mocking the trailer and pointing out how the film looks like a fan-made one rather than a Hollywood production. In addition to being already burnt with the 2019 reboot, they are fearing the worst with this new reboot that lacks any charm and style of del Toro’s films. Here are some of the reactions,
I mean, I'm all for another Hellboy film. But if you told me that was from a fan made film, I'd believe you.
— Josh (@JUchiha909) July 1, 2024
“Honey we’ve got Hellboy at home.”
*The Hellboy at home*
— DrixPerspective (@washedjohn) July 1, 2024
Yeah I’m not always a pessimist but this looks ass
— Yash (@BrawlYash) July 1, 2024
Wow this one looks like a bad fan made cosplay costume
— Milktea Alliance 8⃣1⃣7⃣ W.S. (@KamiliaHaraQoo) July 1, 2024
You sure this isn't a fan film coming to YouTube? pic.twitter.com/HG2j6VpDtm
— Unpopular Brokey | HODL $ZACK 🚀🌙 (@WackyW3irdo) July 1, 2024
While fans’ concerns are understandable, the film seems to be taking a more adult and dark approach with the character, which is one aspect that is interesting about it. The film is confirmed to have an R-rating (via Collider) and it remains to be seen whether Taylor lives up to del Toro’s films while also bringing a new take on the character.
Hellboy Creator Teases New Hellboy Reboot Will Be the Most Faithful Adaptation Yet
Fans are getting a new Hellboy reboot with the upcoming film Hellboy: The Crooked Man, which will be based on the The Crooked Man comic run by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Mignola has seen some parts of the film and is incredibly happy with how it has turned out.
The creator promises that the film will be a faithful adaptation of Hellboy from the comics. Mignola also praised director Brian Taylor for keeping the heart and soul for the Crooked Man comics which is his favorite Hellboy arc. He said (via Geek Tyrant),
I wasn’t on set for this one but they have been nice enough to send me dailies and I have to say I have loved what I’ve been seeing. If fans have been waiting for a Hellboy film that is actually an adaptation of one of my stories I think they are finally going to get one.
Congratulations to director Brian Taylor and a really wonderful cast – and to co-writer Chris Golden who did so much to figure out how to give the studio what they wanted and still keep true to the heart and soul of THE CROOKED MAN, my favorite of the Hellboy stories.
While fans are not happy with the first-look trailer that was released, Mignola’s comments may change their mind and not have any preconceived notions about it. Hellboy: The Crooked Man will see Jack Kesy playing the titular hero alongside Jefferson White, Adeline Rudolph, Joseph Marcell, and Leah McNamara. It will hit theatres sometime in 2024.
