Ron Perlman Says He’s Ready To Return As Hellboy — With Guillermo del Toro At The Helm

Let’s be real: some comic book movie performances just stick, and Ron Perlman as Hellboy is about as definitive as it gets. Nearly two decades after he first stomped around in horns and red makeup, fans still haven’t let him go—even with other actors stepping in (more on that chaos in a minute). And by the way, Perlman himself? He sounds just as game to throw back on all that prosthetic gear, assuming, of course, his old team is getting the band back together.

Perlman’s Hellboy: The Version Everyone Thinks Of

Back in 2004, when superhero movies were still figuring out if they wanted to be grim or goofy, Ron Perlman and director Guillermo del Toro gave us something weird, bloody, and oddly heartfelt with Hellboy. The first film did well with critics (81% on Rotten Tomatoes), and its sequel, Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008), actually improved that number to an 86%. Box office? Just under $270 million combined—not Marvel Cinematic Universe money, but more than respectable for a guy lugging around a stone hand and cracking wise about cats.

Of course, nobody in Hollywood can leave a franchise alone, so two more live-action Hellboy movies lumbered in after that: David Harbour tried in 2019 and Jack Kesy in 2024. Let’s just say neither made much noise—and neither made fans forget Perlman.

The Only Way Perlman’s Coming Back

For years, fans (and honestly, Perlman himself) have been hoping the original team might ride again for a third Hellboy outing to round things off. At MegaCon 2026 in Orlando, Perlman got straight to the point: he's totally down, but only if Guillermo del Toro (the genius who brought Hellboy to life onscreen) returns as director and the 'same team' is back, too.

'Yes, it is, yeah, the only way, the only reason to do it is to do that third one with the same team, the same team that got us 1 and 2 needs to finish. That's the only terms. I'll do it, I would do it again, I would put the sh*t on in a heartbeat if everybody else said yes.'

So that’s pretty unambiguous—you want more Perlman Hellboy, you need del Toro at the helm. And honestly, after seeing what happens when the studio hands the keys to someone else, it’s hard to argue with that logic.

Still Waiting On That Third Movie

If you’re hoping there’s a secret new Perlman-starring Hellboy movie in the works, you’ll have to keep waiting. Nobody’s making any moves right now, and while Perlman is juggling plenty of other projects, it doesn’t sound like his calendar would be an obstacle if del Toro decided to return for a trilogy capper.

Also, this wasn’t Perlman’s first time waving the Hellboy flag—he’s brought up his willingness to reprise the role multiple times over the years, hammering home the point that it all comes down to del Toro being involved. Apparently, it isn’t nostalgia for Perlman; it’s a package deal, or nothing.

How Has It Played Out So Far?

• 2004: Ron Perlman, directed by Guillermo del Toro, launches Hellboy. Critics like it, fans love it, a cult favorite is born.
• 2008: Hellboy II: The Golden Army does even better with critics, solidifies the Perlman/del Toro take as the 'real' Hellboy for most fans.
• 2019: David Harbour tries to fill the horns. Results were... let’s say, not what anyone hoped for.
• 2024: Jack Kesy steps into the iconic red skin for yet another reboot. Most viewers are still thinking about Perlman.
• 2026: At MegaCon, Perlman says he’s ready to put 'the sh*t on' again, but only if the old gang of cast and crew comes back.

What Now?

If you’re one of those people still holding a torch for a real Hellboy 3, Perlman's on your side. But unless Guillermo del Toro suddenly clears his schedule and the stars align, don’t expect to see Perlman’s big red antihero fighting monsters anytime soon. Still, every time a reboot fizzles, fans—and Perlman—start hoping out loud all over again. Never say never in comic book land.