The upcoming Hellboy film, Hellboy: The Crooked Man, aims to depict the classic comic book character in a darker and more frightening way according to sources involved with the production. Due out in 2024, the movie will transport audiences back to 1950s Appalachia where Hellboy confronts the sinister villain known as The Crooked Man. Director Brian Taylor and writer Mike Mignola hope to capture the essence of the Hellboy character that fans of the original comics will recognize.
Unlike previous Hellboy movies, this latest installment will focus more on horror elements. Taylor stated the film will present a “younger, more grounded Hellboy” portrayed by actor Jack Kesy as a guy who deals with supernatural occurrences in a gritty hands-on way. The plot follows Hellboy and a BPRD agent, played by Adeline Rudolph, as they try to protect a small town from The Crooked Man who is collecting souls. Horror and gore will feature more prominently through a dark tone and disturbing scenes, hints Taylor.
Mignola, who co-wrote the film, created the Hellboy comics and knows the character well. “If Mike feels like for the first time he sees his guy on screen, then I feel like we’ve succeeded,” said Taylor about staying faithful to the source material. The movie is based on Mignola’s 2008 comic mini-series by the same name to ensure authenticity missing from earlier movies. Jeffrey Greenstein, president ofproducer Millennium Media, expressed confidence in Taylor’s ability “to bring this story to life.”
With its focus on folklore, body horror, and capturing the essence of Hellboy from the original comics, this film could redefine audiences’ perceptions of the character. If successful, itmay lead to additional films further exploring the darker aspects of Hellboy’s world. Hellboy: The Crooked Man is slated for release in 2024.
