Lionsgate’s R-rated take on Hellboy is now in theaters. However, early feedback about the film hasn’t exactly been glowing. Many critics consider it a big step back from Guillermo del Toro’s previous films. But that apparently doesn’t faze the hero’s creator, Mike Mignola. Despite negative feedback about the film’s story and over-the-top carnage, Mignola refuses to read the reviews. While speaking to Vulture, he acknowledged that they exist, but vows to stay away from them.
“I’m aware of the reviews, but I have decided not to read the reviews,” said Mignola. “I’m anxious to hear what the fans think of the film. I certainly want the fans to be happy. But, no, I’m gonna stay away from the reviews…I mean, the internet is so much more of a toxic place than it was ten years ago when we had the last movie out there. It’s been quite an ugly experience seeing just how different the internet response or the internet rumor mill, all that stuff. It’s just a different planet than it was ten years ago.”
Del Toro’s original Hellboy movie came out in 2004 to mostly positive reviews. Hellboy II: The Golden Army followed four years later, with an even higher score from fans and critics. The reboot had a lot to live up to.
Related: Hellboy’s R-Rated Teaser Pours On the Carnage
However, some fans have come out in defense of the film. You can see some of those tweets below.
Saw Hellboy. Campy and fun, very Army of Darkness vibe. Solid B movie if you’re okay with that. The 10% RT score seems way off imo.
— AQR (@AlexQRyan) April 12, 2019
I was a huge fan of the other two before it and hoped it would live up to it. It’s definitely A LOT darker and more mature, but doesn’t take itself too seriously which I love. It has a lot of comic book humor to it. Blood, guts, paranormal, metal af, it’s seriously amazing
— Melonie Mac (@MelonieMac) April 12, 2019
Although Hellboy isn’t likely to repeat the box office success of its predecessors, it should find a following with Hellboy fans. It could even gain cult status, just as del Toro’s films have done over the years.
You can check out Hellboy in theaters now. Will you see this R-rated reboot? Let us know in the comment section below!
