Perhaps no one has pushed harder for Hellboy 3 than Ron Perlman, the man who portrayed Hellboy in the first two films. Perlman rarely misses a chance to speak about the Hellboy sequel while urging the studios to move forward with it. But at the Television Critics Association press tour, Perlman indicated that his efforts are more out of obligation than a real desire to undergo the arduous task of playing Mike Mignola’s signature creation one more time.

“Let me make the record clear. I don’t want to do Hellboy 3,” said Perlman. “It’s a pain in the ass to put that makeup on and take it off. But I feel we’re obligated to finish the story. That’s it. End of conversation.”

The first Hellboy movie was released in 2004 by Sony/Columbia Pictures, with the sequel, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, following in 2008 from Universal Pictures. Hellboy II had a solid opening weekend, earning $35 million to take first place at the box office. But it crashed to fifth place the following weekend against The Dark Knight. Its sequel chances haven’t recovered since.

Director Guillermo del Toro has said several times that the studios have passed on Hellboy 3, and he has been unable to get the film funded. Perlman’s frequent mentions of Hellboy 3 have been the sparks that keep the project alive in the public eye, even if it isn’t happening.

“I got no problems with forcing the conversation, as you can tell,” remarked Perlman. “We’re in the business of moving mountains. Those of us who are used to working in mainstream film and television. Don’t come to me with details and problems. Just tell me how we move the mountain.”

Perlman also joked that he’ll do Hellboy 3 as long as he’s still breathing. And maybe even after!

“Because del Toro says: Put the makeup on, you can shoot me in a wheelchair and I’ll still be Hellboy,” related Perlman. “I guess the only cutoff point is when they actually close the box. If you don’t see me get up and go, ‘Hang on, I was kidding,’ then I’m still ready.”

Which movie studio would make a good home for Hellboy 3? Or should the Hellboy team follow The X-Files‘ lead and find a TV network to produce a miniseries? Let us know in the comment section of Doom!

HT: /Film