Director Guillermo del Toro, famed for works like The Shape of Water and Pacific Rim, has a loyal following for his Hellboy films. However, the franchise led by Ron Perlman could not conclude its narrative due to the cancellation of a third installment, which was replaced by two less-than-successful reboots. Now, experts suggest that it may be time to revisit del Toro’s unfinished storyline and resurrect the beloved character with a new cinematic vision. The recent success of James Gunn’s Creature Commandos might just provide the perfect blueprint for this revival.
Guillermo del Toro directed the original Hellboy in 2004, bringing to life the superhero based on the Dark Horse Comics. Although it had modest box office returns, it garnered a cult following, which led to the creation of Hellboy II: The Golden Army. This sequel, too, received a warm reception, yet plans for a third film were ultimately scrapped. Del Toro revealed in a 2014 Reddit AMA that the project’s cancellation stemmed from the studio perceiving it as too risky, given the financial performance of the earlier movies.
After attempts to reboot the franchise in 2019 and 2024 failed to capture the essence of the original, a chorus of fans has been urging del Toro to complete his trilogy. This brings us to the prospect of reviving Hellboy 3 in a new animated format, which could not only honor the franchise’s roots but also sidestep the challenges of a live-action film. The triumph of adult animated series in the superhero genre, as demonstrated by James Gunn’s Creature Commandos and Invincible, is paving the way for animated adaptations to flourish.
One of the most compelling reasons for considering animation is the age of Ron Perlman, who is now 74 years old. As the physical demands of the role weigh heavily, Perlman has publicly expressed doubts about returning to the character. In a 2022 interview with The Independent, he stated, “Am I eager to do Hellboy 3? No, I’m 71 f***ing years old.” Nonetheless, Perlman is still committed to the franchise, emphasizing that he and del Toro owe it to the fans to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the planned trilogy.
Given these circumstances, it appears that an animated Hellboy 3 might be the ideal solution. Not only would it allow Perlman to reprise his iconic role without the physical strain involved, but it would also enable del Toro to realize his creative vision in a fresh and exciting format. With numerous paths available for execution—be it theatrical release or direct-to-streaming—the possibilities are endless, and fans eagerly await news on this potential revival.
Del Toro’s previous works remain available to audiences, as both Hellboy and Hellboy II can be rented on Amazon Prime Video. As anticipation grows for a possible return to the screen, it’s clear that James Gunn’s influence is inspiring not just new stories but also rekindling hope for old favorites.
