Against all odds, the 2019 version of Hellboy defies criticism and is crowned Netflix's Global Top 10
In a turn of events no one saw coming, the film Hellboy of 2019, starring David Harbourhas emerged from the shadows of criticism to claim a place in the coveted Top 10 global Netflix, almost five years after its theatrical debut that many would describe as unfortunate. This reappearance is all the more notable given its original icy reception, evidenced by a meager 17% approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
An unexpected resurgence
At the heart of this phenomenon is the unwavering attraction to stories of redemption, both on screen and off. The movie, with 7.5 million hours watched during the week of March 18 to 21has not only proven to be an unexpected contender but has even surpassed Black Adam, placing it in sixth position among the most viewed films globally on Netflix. This fact is not only surprising because of the abysmal contrast with its initial performance at the box office but also because of the nature of its content: a dark narrative intertwined with mysticism and action that seems to have found its niche or, perhaps, its moment.
In 2019, Hellboy tried unsuccessfully to revitalize a franchise that had been put on hold since Guillermo del Toro's last installment., Hellboy: The Golden Army, more than a decade ago. However, critics were relentless, describing it as lacking imagination and failing to maintain public interest. This reboot, directed by Neil Marshall, set out to bring back the demonic paranormal investigator in an apocalyptic battle against an ancient and powerful queen, but ended up being a both critical and financial failurestruggling to recoup its $50 million production budget.
The return of Hellboy?
However, rumors of a new dawn for Hellboy have begun to circulate with the announcement of Hellboy: The Crooked Man. This new chapter seeks to bring the red demon back to the screens, this time set in the 1950s in Appalachia, inspired by Mike Mignola's comic book miniseries. With Brian Taylor (Crank, Happy!) in direction and a cast that includes Jack Kesy, Jefferson White, Adeline Rudolph, Joseph Marcell and Leah McNamara, the project promises a renewal of the saga that could very well redeem its cinematographic legacy.
Hellboy has served as a reminder that time and context can radically change the perception of a work. Its resurgence on Netflix suggests that audiences are willing to give second chancesespecially when the accessibility and convenience of streaming platforms make it possible to explore titles that, in other times, might have gone unnoticed or been discarded prematurely.
As Hellboy: The Crooked Man prepares to enter the scene, the expectation remains whether it will be able to capitalize on this renewed interest and offer an experience that not only satisfy long-term fans but also attract new viewers. With a narrative set in an intriguing historical context and a fresh approach to directing, there is reason to hope that the legacy of Hellboy is on the threshold of a new era.
The versions of Hellboy in the cinema
Las Previous incarnations of Hellboy have been varied, beginning with the iconic performance of Ron Perlman under the direction of Guillermo del Toro. Acclaimed by critics and fans alike, these versions stood out for their unique blend of dark humor, thrilling action, and deep humanity in the central character. Unlike the 2019 version, del Toro's films were celebrated for their rich visual storytelling and faithful adaptation from the source material of the comics, setting a high standard for comic book adaptations on film.
This comparison highlights how Different interpretations can greatly influence the reception of a workwith the 2019 version seeking its place in the shadow of its predecessors.
