No, the anticipated "Hellboy 3" directed by Guillermo del Toro was never made, so it could not have flopped. However, the 2019 Hellboy reboot, which was a separate film and not a direct sequel to del Toro's movies, did indeed flop.
The Elusive "Hellboy 3"
The "Hellboy 3" that many fans eagerly awaited was intended to be the final installment in Guillermo del Toro's acclaimed series. This specific sequel, starring Ron Perlman as Hellboy and Doug Jones as Abe Sapien, was the Hellboy movie everyone truly wanted to see. Despite strong critical reception for the first two films, Hellboy (2004) and Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008), the third film in this specific continuity never materialized due to various production challenges. Since it was never produced, it could not have been a box office flop.
The 2019 Hellboy Reboot's Performance
In contrast to the unmade sequel, a new Hellboy film, often referred to as the "2019 Hellboy reboot," was released with a different creative team and cast, including David Harbour in the titular role. This reboot aimed to restart the franchise with a fresh perspective. However, this 2019 Hellboy reboot significantly underperformed at the box office and was widely considered a commercial flop.
Reasons for the 2019 Reboot's Struggles:
- Lack of Original Creative Team: A major factor in the 2019 reboot's struggles was the absence of Guillermo del Toro's distinct vision and the beloved performances of original stars Ron Perlman and Doug Jones. For many, it just didn't feel right without the original creative team, highlighting the strong desire for del Toro's Hellboy 3.
- Critical Reception: The film received largely negative reviews from critics, impacting its appeal and word-of-mouth.
- Box Office Disappointment: The movie struggled to recoup its estimated production and marketing costs, leading to significant financial losses for the studio.
Summary of Hellboy Films' Commercial Performance
The table below clarifies the status of the various Hellboy film iterations:
| Film Title | Year | Type | Director | Hellboy Actor | Box Office Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hellboy 3 (del Toro) | N/A | Unproduced Sequel | Guillermo del Toro | Ron Perlman | Never released |
| Hellboy (2019) | 2019 | Franchise Reboot | Neil Marshall | David Harbour | Commercial Flop |
The commercial failure of the 2019 reboot underscored the strong preference among fans for the original creative team's vision, particularly Guillermo del Toro's unmade Hellboy 3, which remained an unfulfilled expectation.
