Hellboy’s Canceled Spinoff Series & Revival Chances Addressed By Guillermo Del Toro Franchise Star

A canceled Hellboy project could get another chance.

More than two decades after Guillermo del Toro introduced audiences to his version of Hellboy, one of the franchise’s most recognizable stars is interested in revisiting his character. Doug Jones, who portrayed Abe Sapien in the director’s two Hellboy movies, has revealed that the character nearly received his own TV series. Unfortunately, the project never made it to production. However, Jones hasn’t ruled out returning to the role.

Jones first portrayed Abe in 2004’s Hellboy, starring alongside Ron Perlman, who played the titular character. He reprised the role in 2008’s Hellboy II: The Golden Army, which further explored Abe’s storyline and gave the character a bigger part in the film. Despite the popularity of del Toro’s adaptations of the comic book franchise, plans for additional projects ultimately failed to come to fruition.

During a recent interview with JustWatch, Jones discussed his time playing Abe and the possibility of portraying him again. When asked which of his previous characters deserved a standalone project, the actor specifically chose the character, revealing that there were discussions about developing a spinoff show based on him and how he would be more than willing to return if the opportunity ever arises.

Although the actor made it clear that he would be interested in returning, he explained that any potential comeback would depend on several important factors. Jones said that the decision would depend on the director, whether the storyline is justified, and his compensation.

There was talk of spinning him off to have his own TV series for a while. I would go back under the rubber bits, sure, [with] the right director, the right character, the right story, the right paycheck.

While he is open to the idea of returning as Abe, his comments should not be taken as confirmation that a new Hellboy series is definitely being developed at the moment. No announcement has been made regarding the revival of the proposed spinoff by any production studios or other official sources.

The film franchise received a reboot in 2019, with David Harbour taking over as the new Hellboy. Directed by Neil Marshall, the film offered audiences a different side of the character. The movie was titled Hellboy: The Crooked Man, directed by Brian Taylor and starring Jack Kesy.

Created by Mike Mignola, Hellboy first appeared in 1993’s Dime Press #4. Shortly after, he became one of Dark Horse Comics’ most recognizable characters. He received his first standalone series, Hellboy: Seed of Destruction, in 1994 by Mignola and John Byrne. His stories feature supernatural mysteries, mythology, and monsters.

There are currently no confirmed plans for a Hellboy spinoff series.