Hellboy is one of the most iconic franchises and Guillermo del Toro’s ability to bring to life some of the most amazing works of cinematography. From animation to live-action, there is no movie he cannot turn into a piece of art. That also included Ron Perlman’s franchise. The movie almost had another famous actor involved, Jeremy Renner.
It was revealed a while back that Renner was offered the role of one of the central characters of the franchise, one that he ended up rejecting. Despite the opportunity of working with del Toro, he thought it was best to step away from the movie than to get into it without understanding it. His lack of understanding of the role of Agent Myers did not make him regret his decision though. So what does come into question is, how many other famous celebrities rejected the franchise?
David Hyde Pierce
Guillermo del Toro’s $314 Million (via The Numbers) franchise is one loved by fans left and right. Whether it is about the original duology or David Harbour’s reboot of it, there is praise that makes it one of the most interesting superhero franchises. Although the role of Abe Sapiens was played by Doug Jones in the duology, it was David Hyde Pierce who voiced the character in the first film.
By the time the second movie came into the process of making, Piece believed that Jones was too powerful as an actor to let another person’s voice navigate his own movements and words. He even rejected the idea of being credited for the role. It was his acknowledgment and respect for Jones that made him want to not return, as an opportunity to let the actor who plays the part shine.
Doug Jones
The Hellboy reboot saw David Harbour take on the titular role. However, out of the many actors who were offered a role in the movie, quite a few of them were from the original duology as well. This included Doug Jones. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor revealed that although the idea is not out of pocket, he would not be returning.
The reason for this was that he had far too many commitments and scheduling conflicts. A role as minor as that of a cameo of Abe Sapiens was not enough to get Jones to leave everything and dedicate himself to the movie.
Ed Skrein
Ed Skrein too was offered a role in the reboot of the franchise, a role that he later came to reject. The role of Major Ben Daimio was for Skrein’s taking. However, as per BBC, he stepped away from it because of reasons that got him a lot of support. He acknowledged as to how the role is of a man who is Asian-American of descent and to have him cast as the character would only be whitewashing. So he decided to step down from the role and let actors of the same ethnicity try out for it instead.
Ron Perlman
Ron Perlman is no stranger to Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy. Playing the iconic role of the titular character for the first two movies, there was no surprise to learn that he was also offered a part in the reboot of the franchise. Although he did wish the reboot a stroke of good luck, he did not want to be a part of it.
As per ComicBookMovie.com, the actor decided not to be a part of it in a way to show his loyalty to del Toro. If he were to return as the character, it would only be under the director’s vision and no one else.
