The Superhero Movie On Netflix Should Still Be A Franchise

In the visually arresting and action-packed world of Hellboy, we are introduced to a universe where the supernatural is not just a myth, but a tangible, lurking reality.

The story unfolds during the final days of World War II, where an attempt by the Nazis to harness occult forces goes awry, leading to the arrival of Hellboy—a red-skinned, horned demon—into our world.

Raised by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, the kind-hearted and scholarly founder of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD), Hellboy grows up to be a cigar-chomping, tough-talking hero with a right hand made of stone, known as the Right Hand of Doom.

Despite his daunting appearance, Hellboy exhibits a surprising amount of humanity and a witty sense of humor.

As an adult, Hellboy works for the BPRD, alongside other extraordinary beings such as Abe Sapien, an empathic and intelligent amphibian, and Liz Sherman, a young woman with pyrokinetic abilities. Together, they confront and neutralize supernatural threats.

However, Hellboy’s past returns to haunt him as Grigori Rasputin, the very occultist who orchestrated Hellboy’s arrival on Earth, reemerges with a sinister plan to unleash ancient forces that could lead to the world’s destruction.

The narrative takes us through Hellboy’s struggle with his identity—a demon destined to destroy the world, yet raised to protect it—and his battle against forces that seek to exploit his power for malevolent purposes. His journey is one of self-discovery, grappling with his origins, and ultimately, choosing his own destiny.

Amidst all this, Hellboy delves into themes of belonging, love, and the eternal battle between good and evil. It’s a story that’s as much about the heart and humor of its characters as it is about their heroic deeds and the otherworldly threats they face.

The sequel, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, released in 2008, takes the adventure and fantasy elements of the first film to new heights. Directed once again by Guillermo del Toro, the story plunges into a more intricate world of mythical creatures and ancient conflicts.

This time, Hellboy and his team face a vengeful prince from an unearthly realm who seeks to awaken an unstoppable robotic army, the Golden Army, to wage war on humanity. The plot weaves through a hidden world of fantastical beings, bringing more depth to the already rich universe established in the first film.

With a blend of stunning visuals, more elaborate action sequences, and del Toro’s signature imaginative storytelling, the sequel not only expands the Hellboy universe but also deepens the emotional and thematic layers of its characters.

Despite critical acclaim and a cult following, the Hellboy franchise faced hurdles that halted its continuation after Hellboy II: The Golden Army. The films, while celebrated for their unique style, didn’t achieve blockbuster success at the box office, making studios hesitant to invest in further sequels.

Creative differences and budgetary disputes added to the franchise’s challenges. Guillermo del Toro envisioned a grander third installment, but this vision didn’t align with the studio’s financial plans. As the industry’s focus shifted towards reboots, a new Hellboy film was released in 2019, but it failed to recapture the original’s appeal.

In an era dominated by other superhero franchises, Hellboy‘s unique approach struggled to compete for attention, leading to the original series’ conclusion.

Hellboy remains a standout gem in the superhero genre, a testament to Guillermo del Toro’s vision and creativity. Streaming on Netflix, it offers a unique blend of action, fantasy, and humor that continues to resonate with fans and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re revisiting this cult classic or discovering it for the first time, Hellboy promises an enthralling journey into a world where the supernatural meets the heroic.