Hellboy: The Crooked Man
Hellboy: The Crooked Man is the latest film adaptation of the iconic character created by Mike Mignola.
Its release in Spanish cinemas is scheduled for February 6, 2026, distributed by Vértice 360, after a previous limited run outside the traditional commercial circuit.
The film is not a direct sequel to the versions directed by Guillermo del Toro nor 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 agent from the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) 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 protagonist half-demon.
- 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, reinforcing a more contained proposal less oriented 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 takes.
Although the story is set in the rural Appalachian forests of the United States in the 1950s, its locations were recreated in interiors, studio exteriors, and natural environments in Bulgaria.
The staging opts for a more intimate style, prioritizing atmosphere and mystery over the grand action sequences present in previous adaptations.
Critical and Audience Reception
The reception of Hellboy: The Crooked Man has been mixed, with no clear consensus among critics and viewers.
The diversity of opinions is due, in part, to limited previous screenings, which allowed a small audience to issue evaluations 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;
- a commitment to a more intimate approach, moving away from conventional superhero cinema;
- an atmosphere consistent with the adapted story.
Negative Reviews
The most critical evaluations point to:
- an irregular pace, 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.
In the visual section, especially when compared to the versions directed by Guillermo del Toro, the following are mentioned:
- correct but limited special effects and photography;
- a sober production design.
An interesting return of 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 attractive to those looking for a less conventional adaptation.
