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Behind the Scenes of Hellboy – The Transformation of Scott Adkins, Ron Perlman, and the Legends of the Film

The Hellboy franchise, known for its unique blend of action, fantasy, and dark humor, has undergone an incredible evolution, especially in terms of casting and visual effects. While the 2004 Hellboy film and its 2008 sequel Hellboy II: The Golden Army brought the character to life in unforgettable ways, the 2019 reboot introduced a new interpretation of the beloved comic book hero. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the transformations of Scott Adkins, Ron Perlman, and other key actors, showcasing their journey from “Then” to “Now.”

1. Ron Perlman: The Original Hellboy

Then: 2004’s Hellboy
Ron Perlman’s portrayal of the iconic demon-turned-hero, Hellboy, in Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy (2004) is nothing short of legendary. Perlman, with his distinctive gravelly voice and rugged persona, perfectly embodied the reluctant hero. His transformation into Hellboy was a labor of love, involving hours of makeup and prosthetics to create the character’s red skin, horns, and massive right hand (the “Right Hand of Doom”). The process was grueling, but Perlman’s dedication to the role made him a fan favorite, with his portrayal becoming synonymous with the character for many.

Behind the Scenes:
The makeup process for Perlman was a lengthy one. It took up to 4 hours each day to apply the prosthetics, including the full headpiece, body suit, and his iconic oversized right hand. Special effects artists worked closely with Perlman to ensure that the character looked both authentic and fluid in action scenes. Despite the intense makeup routine, Perlman’s dedication shone through, and his character’s charm and depth stood out in both the film and its sequel.

Now: Legacy of Hellboy
Ron Perlman’s Hellboy has remained a beloved interpretation for fans of the franchise, with many hoping to see him return for a third installment of the series. However, with the 2019 reboot, Perlman’s version became a nostalgic part of the Hellboy universe, influencing both new generations of fans and the direction of the character. Perlman’s portrayal has cemented itself as a classic.

2. Scott Adkins: The 2019 Reboot

Then: Hellboy (2019)
Scott Adkins, known for his roles in action films like Undisputed and The Expendables 2, took on a much different role in the 2019 reboot of Hellboy, where he played the character of “Major Ben Daimio.” While not portraying Hellboy himself, Adkins’ performance showcased his incredible martial arts skills and his transformation into a character with a dark backstory. His role in the reboot was unique, and it brought a fresh perspective to the Hellboy universe.

Behind the Scenes:
Scott Adkins underwent significant training to prepare for his role, which involved a rigorous regimen of combat choreography and physical conditioning. In addition to performing his own stunts, Adkins’ character required a bit of special effects work. One of the key elements of his character was a transformation sequence where he shifts into a jaguar-like creature, demanding extensive makeup and visual effects. The transformation scenes were difficult, but Adkins’ extensive background in martial arts and action allowed him to perform intense sequences with precision and power.

Now: The Evolution of Scott Adkins
Adkins has continued to solidify his reputation as one of the top action stars in Hollywood. Since Hellboy (2019), he’s gone on to take part in films like Boyka: Undisputed 4 and Avengement, cementing his place as a leading action star with incredible physical prowess. His role in Hellboy (2019) marked a shift into more mainstream roles, expanding his range beyond martial arts films to a bigger, international audience.

3. The Transformation of Hellboy’s Makeup and Visual Effects

Then: 2004’s Hellboy
The makeup for Hellboy, as portrayed by Ron Perlman, was painstakingly detailed. The prosthetics department worked hard to design Hellboy’s signature look: the demon’s red skin, curved horns, and, of course, the huge Right Hand of Doom. The prosthetics took hours to apply each day, and Perlman had to endure long hours in the makeup chair to bring the character to life. The makeup was intricate, with heavy use of latex and foam rubber, and it gave Perlman the freedom to express himself while still embodying the character.

Behind the Scenes:
The prosthetics department in the 2004 Hellboy film, led by artist Mike Elizalde, was responsible for creating the various characters, from Hellboy’s unique features to the varied look of the supporting cast. Perlman’s makeup took up to 4 hours a day, which included custom latex prosthetics, full head molds, and the creation of his signature right hand, which was made from lightweight foam for easier movement in action scenes.

Now: Hellboy (2019) Reboot and New Techniques
In the 2019 reboot, much of the Hellboy character was created using a mix of prosthetics and digital effects. While some physical elements remained, the movie employed more advanced CGI to enhance the transformation sequences and create a more vivid, modern interpretation of Hellboy’s world. This allowed for a greater sense of fluidity in the action and supernatural sequences, although many fans of the original series still prefer the classic, practical approach.

4. Supporting Cast and Their Transformations

The supporting cast in both versions of Hellboy also underwent significant transformations, whether through makeup or CGI.

Then: 2004’s Hellboy

• Selma Blair as Liz Sherman – Liz, the pyrokinetic, was portrayed by Selma Blair with an intense backstory. Her transformation required detailed makeup, but it was Blair’s acting that gave the character depth, balancing vulnerability and strength.

• Doug Jones as Abe Sapien – Doug Jones’ portrayal of the fish-man Abe Sapien in 2004 was brought to life using full-body prosthetics, requiring several hours of makeup work. Jones was known for his ability to perform while hidden in heavy makeup, a skill he perfected in films like Pan’s Labyrinth.

Now: 2019’s Hellboy

• Milla Jovovich as The Blood Queen – Milla Jovovich, known for Resident Evil, took on a powerful role as the Blood Queen. Her transformation into a dark sorceress was enhanced with CGI, which allowed for her character’s larger-than-life presence.

• David Harbour as Hellboy – In the 2019 reboot, Stranger Things star David Harbour portrayed Hellboy. The character was designed using a mix of prosthetics and CGI, allowing Harbour to embody the character in a more dynamic way while still giving a nod to the original design.

Conclusion:

The transformations behind Hellboy are a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of makeup artists, visual effects teams, and actors who bring these iconic characters to life. Whether it’s the painstaking work that went into Ron Perlman’s transformation into the original Hellboy or Scott Adkins’ action-packed performance in the 2019 reboot, the evolution of these legendary characters has always been an integral part of the Hellboy legacy.

From practical effects to cutting-edge CGI, the Hellboy films have continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of transforming actors into otherworldly beings, and it’s this dedication to craftsmanship that has made the series a cult favorite among fans.