The first trailer for “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” has been unveiled, offering audiences a glimpse of Jack Kesy as the iconic red-skinned demon hero in this latest reboot of the franchise. Directed by Brian Taylor, known for his work on “Crank,” and based on a screenplay co-written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, the film takes a notably different direction from previous adaptations.
Kesy becomes the third actor to portray Hellboy in live-action, following Ron Perlman’s beloved portrayal in Guillermo del Toro’s films and David Harbour’s turn in the 2019 reboot. This latest iteration aims to be closer to Mignola’s original vision, with the creator heavily involved in the production as both co-writer and producer.
Set in 1950s rural Appalachia, the story follows Hellboy and a rookie agent from the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) as they encounter a community haunted by witches led by the mysterious Crooked Man. The trailer suggests a strong horror influence, departing significantly from the tone of previous Hellboy adaptations.
The recently released trailer has generated mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Some appreciate the shift towards horror and the potential for a more faithful adaptation of Mignola’s work. The creator himself has even expressed enthusiasm for this approach, stating that it’s closer to his original comics and allows for a smaller-scale story that doesn’t involve Hellboy saving the world.
However, some say that the film “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” feels more like an independent horror film than a superhero movie, which has led to debates about whether this new direction is appropriate for the character.
To this day, many fans continue to lament the fact that Guillermo del Toro’s planned third Hellboy film never materialized, seeing it as a missed opportunity. The lukewarm reception to the 2019 reboot and the mixed initial response to “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” trailer have only intensified these feelings for some.
Despite these reservations, there’s cautious optimism from some quarters. Mignola’s deep involvement in the project offers hope for fans of the original comics. The focus on a smaller-scale story from the comics, specifically “The Crooked Man” arc, which Mignola considers one of his best works, presents the potential for a unique and intimate entry in the Hellboy franchise.