Hellboy (2004) is a fantasy-superhero film directed by Guillermo del Toro. Based on the Dark Horse Comics character created by Mike Mignola, this movie blends supernatural elements with the classic action-adventure hero format. Del Toro’s distinctive style, combined with strong performances and detailed world-building, makes Hellboy a standout superhero film.
Table of Contents
ToggleDetailed Summary
Opening Scene: Hellboy’s Origin
The movie begins in 1944 during World War II, where the Nazis, under the guidance of the evil mystic Grigori Rasputin (Karel Roden), attempt to open a portal to summon an ancient evil force. However, American soldiers, led by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm (John Hurt), intervene and stop them. In the aftermath, they discover a red-skinned demon child with a massive stone right hand, known as Hellboy.
The Professor adopts the demon, raising him as a force for good and an agent for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D).
Hellboy: The Hero We Didn’t Ask For
In the present day, Hellboy (played by Ron Perlman) has become an adult, working as a secret government agent for the B.P.R.D. Despite his appearance (complete with sawed-off horns and fiery red skin), Hellboy is a cigar-chomping, tough-talking hero with a good heart. He fights against dark forces while trying to find his place in the world. He’s joined by his team: pyrokinetic Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) and aquatic empath Abe Sapien (voiced by David Hyde Pierce, performed by Doug Jones).
Rasputin’s Return
Rasputin returns from the dead and plans to finish what he started: bringing forth a cosmic entity to destroy Earth. He manipulates Hellboy into unknowingly fulfilling this prophecy. With the help of his minions—namely the indestructible, clockwork assassin Karl Ruprecht Kroenen (Ladislav Beran)—Rasputin attacks Hellboy’s world.
The B.P.R.D. team, along with the newbie agent John Myers (Rupert Evans), must stop Rasputin’s evil plans, but Hellboy’s personal struggles come to the forefront as he wrestles with his demonic nature and questions his true purpose.
Confrontation and Sacrifice
As Rasputin’s plan reaches its climax, Hellboy is forced to make a choice between his nature as the “Beast of the Apocalypse” and his loyalty to humanity. This internal conflict is what makes Hellboy more than just a straightforward superhero movie—it’s also a story of personal identity and redemption.
Hellboy rejects Rasputin’s manipulation, ultimately choosing humanity over his demonic destiny. In a final battle, Hellboy uses his right hand to destroy the ancient entity Rasputin summons, saving the world from certain doom.
Movie Ending
The movie concludes with Hellboy defeating Rasputin and his monstrous creation. In the final scene, Hellboy and Liz share a tender moment as he confesses his feelings for her, finally finding a sense of belonging.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, there are no post-credits scenes in Hellboy (2004). The movie wraps up neatly, without any additional scenes or hints about future sequels after the credits roll.
Type of Movie
Hellboy is a supernatural action-fantasy movie with a blend of superhero elements, dark humor, and horror themes. It’s packed with intense action sequences, but also offers deeper emotional beats around identity and loyalty.
Cast
- Ron Perlman as Hellboy
- Selma Blair as Liz Sherman
- Doug Jones (body) and David Hyde Pierce (voice) as Abe Sapien
- John Hurt as Professor Trevor Bruttenholm
- Rupert Evans as Agent John Myers
- Karel Roden as Grigori Rasputin
- Ladislav Beran as Karl Ruprecht Kroenen
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Marco Beltrami, known for creating intense and atmospheric music that perfectly fits Hellboy’s dark and supernatural themes. His use of both grand orchestral and subtle, eerie music complements the tone of the movie, enhancing both the action and emotional moments.
Filming Locations
- Prague, Czech Republic: The city’s gothic architecture and historic buildings were used for several key locations, including Rasputin’s resurrection scene and Hellboy’s action-packed battles in urban settings.
- Barrandov Studios, Prague: Several interior scenes, including the B.P.R.D. headquarters, were shot at this famous studio.
The choice of Prague added a moody, old-world atmosphere to the movie, enhancing its supernatural themes.
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for Best Makeup at the Academy Awards.
- Won several Saturn Awards, including Best Horror Film and Best Make-up.
While not a massive award-winner, the film was praised for its visual effects, makeup, and design work.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Ron Perlman was Guillermo del Toro’s first and only choice to play Hellboy, even though the studio initially wanted a bigger star.
- Doug Jones performed all the physical acting for Abe Sapien, while David Hyde Pierce provided the voice—but Pierce refused credit out of respect for Jones’s performance.
- Del Toro insisted on using practical effects wherever possible, with many of the film’s creatures created with animatronics and prosthetics rather than CGI.
Inspirations and References
The movie is based on Mike Mignola’s Hellboy comics. Del Toro drew heavily from the comic’s mix of Lovecraftian horror, mythology, and pulp adventure. Del Toro’s own love for classic monster movies and gothic horror also shaped the film’s aesthetic.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The DVD release includes deleted scenes, but none of them drastically alter the plot. Some extended dialogue sequences give more depth to characters like Professor Bruttenholm and Agent Myers, but no alternate endings were developed.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie follows the basic plot of the Hellboy comic series but takes liberties with its tone and structure. In the comics, Hellboy’s adventures are often episodic, whereas the film ties these elements into a larger, more cohesive narrative. Some supporting characters, like Abe Sapien, have more expanded roles in the film compared to their comic counterparts.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Hellboy’s first major battle, fighting the monstrous Sammael in a museum.
- The resurrection of Rasputin in the eerie underground tomb.
- Hellboy’s showdown with Kroenen, an intense battle of wit and skill.
Iconic Quotes
- Hellboy: “I’m fireproof. You’re not.”
- Professor Bruttenholm: “There are things that go bump in the night, and we are the ones who bump back.”
- Hellboy (to Liz): “You should be running. But you’re not.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- In the background of several scenes, you can spot sketches of creatures and symbols from Mignola’s original Hellboy comics.
- Hellboy’s cats play a significant role in the background, a nod to his comic book counterpart’s love for felines.
- The film includes subtle nods to H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos, especially in Rasputin’s plan to summon an otherworldly entity, resembling the Old Ones from Lovecraft’s works.
Trivia
- Ron Perlman wore extensive prosthetics and makeup, which took around 4 hours to apply every day.
- The character of Karl Ruprecht Kroenen, though present in the comics, was significantly expanded for the movie.
- Director Guillermo del Toro is a huge fan of monster movies, and you can see this in the design of the creatures Hellboy faces.
Why Watch?
Hellboy is a must-watch for anyone who loves supernatural adventures, monsters, and offbeat superheroes. Ron Perlman’s gruff yet charming portrayal of the title character, combined with del Toro’s flair for visually stunning and creepy atmospheres, makes this film both fun and artistically engaging.
Director’s Other Movies
- Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
- The Shape of Water (2017)
- Pacific Rim (2013)
- Blade II (2002)
- Crimson Peak (2015)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Blade II (2002)
- Constantine (2005)
- The Shape of Water (2017)
- Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
- Spawn (1997)