The highly anticipated first trailer for “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” has finally arrived, promising fans a chilling new chapter in the Hellboy saga. Released by Millennium Media and Ketchup Entertainment, this trailer comes just over a year after production wrapped in Bulgaria, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans.
In this latest installment, Hellboy, portrayed by Jack Kesy, and a rookie BPRD agent, played by Adeline Rudolph, find themselves stranded in the 1950s rural Appalachia. Here, they encounter a small community plagued by witches and led by a sinister local devil with deep ties to Hellboy's past—the Crooked Man. This malevolent figure is none other than Jeremiah Witkins, an 18th-century miser and war profiteer who, after being hanged for his crimes, returns from Hell as the region's resident Devil.
What makes this film particularly noteworthy is the return of original creator Mike Mignola, who has teamed up with his Dark Horse comics collaborator Chris Golden to pen the script. This is the first time Mignola has directly contributed to the screenplay of a Hellboy film, which has fans eagerly anticipating a story that stays true to its comic book roots. The cast also includes Jefferson White, Joseph Marcell, Hannah Margetson, and Martin Bassindale, adding to the film's strong ensemble.
Directed by Brian Taylor, known for his work on “Crank,” “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” aims to offer a more intimate and focused story compared to the previous cinematic outings. It differentiates itself from the grandiose Guillermo del Toro-directed films of 2004 and 2008, starring Ron Perlman, and the less well-received 2019 reboot directed by Neil Marshall and featuring David Harbour.
With its release set for this year, “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” promises a darker, more haunting exploration of Hellboy's world. The trailer's atmospheric tension and glimpses of witchcraft and rural horror set the stage for a gripping tale that delves deep into folklore and the supernatural.
As we await the film's debut, fans can relish in the fact that this new chapter might just be the most faithful adaptation yet, honoring the essence of Mignola's beloved creation while introducing a fresh narrative twist. Be sure to catch the trailer and mark your calendars for what promises to be a standout addition to the Hellboy franchise.
