Hellboy: The Crooked Man is the latest film adaptation of the iconic character created by Mike Mignola.
Its Spanish theatrical release is scheduled for February 6, 2026, distributed by Vértice 360, following a previous limited run outside the traditional commercial circuit.
The film is not a direct sequel to the versions directed by Guillermo del Toro or the 2019 reboot, but an independent reinterpretation based on a specific story from the original comics.
Plot and narrative atmosphere
Set in the 1950s in rural Appalachia, the story follows Hellboy and a rookie Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) agent on a mission that turns dangerous.
They face a community haunted by supernatural forces and witchcraft, especially a demonic entity known as the Crooked Man, who seems to have ties to the protagonist's past.
The plot blends elements of horror, fantasy, and action, with a dark, folk-inspired tone, integrating the aesthetics of Mignola's original comics and the influence of North American folklore.
Main cast and creative team
The film is directed by Brian Taylor, known for his work in action cinema, and the screenplay is a collaboration between Christopher Golden, Mike Mignola, and Taylor himself.
The cast includes:
- Jack Kesy as Hellboy, the half-demon protagonist.
- Adeline Rudolph as Bobbie Jo Song, a BPRD agent.
- Jefferson White playing Tom Ferrell, a key ally.
- Leah McNamara and Joseph Marcell complete the main cast.
This approach opts for relatively new faces instead of big-name stars, which reinforces a more contained proposal less geared towards commercial spectacle.
Where was it filmed?
The film was shot between March and May 2023, a period during which most of the scenes were filmed.
Later, additional recordings were made to correct details or add new shots.
Although the story is set in the rural forests of the Appalachian Mountains of the United States in the 1950s, its locations were recreated indoors, in studio exteriors, and in natural environments in Bulgaria.
The staging opts for a more intimate style, prioritizing atmosphere and mystery over the large action sequences present in previous adaptations.
Critical and public reception
Hellboy: The Crooked Man has received a mixed reception, with no clear consensus among critics and viewers.
The diversity of opinions is due, in part, to limited prior screenings, which allowed a reduced audience to offer assessments before the general release in Spanish cinemas.
Positive reviews
Among the favorable opinions, the following stand out:
- fidelity to the dark and demonological tone of the original comics;
- the commitment to a more intimate approach, away from conventional superhero cinema;
- an atmosphere consistent with the adapted story.
Negative reviews
The most critical reviews point to:
- an irregular rhythm, with sections that reduce narrative tension;
- execution problems, understood as a poorly cohesive integration between script, direction, and staging;
- a narrative development that does not exploit its full potential.
Regarding the visuals, especially when compared to the versions directed by Guillermo del Toro, the following are mentioned:
- correct but limited special effects and cinematography;
- a sober production design.
An interesting return for the red demon
Hellboy: The Crooked Man is not just another superhero movie.
It is a version that prioritizes the sinister tone of the original comics and offers a different interpretation of the character, which may be appealing to those looking for a less conventional adaptation.
