Director Guillermo del Toro revisits Hellboy II earned acclaim for its unique visuals and epic fantasy. The duology solidified del Toro’s reputation as a master of fantasy, with Hellboy II being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Makeup.

In some recent posts on Bluesky, del Toro ires Hellboy II: The Golden Army's extensive use of practical effects. Del Toro reflected on the film as a "makeup FX/puppet extravaganza," highlighting the dozens of animatronic and intricate makeup creations that brought his gothic vision to life. He shared his belief that this level of artistry may represent the end of an era, as modern filmmaking increasingly shifts toward CGI and digital effects. Read the posts below:

What Guillermo Del Toro’s Comments About The Look of Hellboy Mean

The Importance Of Practical Effects In Hellboy II’s Legacy

Director Guillermo del Toro’s reflections on Hellboy II underscore the significance of practical effects in crafting immersive cinematic worlds. Practical effects, such as animatronics, puppets, and makeup, were a hallmark of the first two Hellboy films, contributing to their distinct visual identity. By collaborating with multiple effects studios and giving each creature its moment to shine, del Toro’s approach to Hellboy II represented a dedication to tangible, handcrafted artistry rarely seen at that scale today.

The 2019 Hellboy reboot marked a stark contrast to this philosophy. Directed by Neil Marshall and starring David Harbour as Hellboy, the reboot leaned heavily on computer-generated imagery to depict its supernatural elements. While CGI allowed for greater flexibility in creature design and action sequences, many fans and critics noted that it lacked the charm and tactile quality of del Toro’s original films.

Del Toro’s comments also point to a larger industry trend favoring CGI over practical effects. The shift is often driven by budget considerations, as CGI can streamline production schedules, particularly for blockbuster franchises. However, this transition has sparked debates about the loss of authenticity and creativity that practical effects bring. Del Toro’s acknowledgment of Hellboy II as a potential last hurrah for great creature designs is a reflection of the ongoing transformation in how films are made, with the balance tipping increasingly toward digital techniques.

Our Take On Guillermo Del Toro's Revisiting Of Hellboy

Nostalgic For The Magic Of Practical Effects

Guillermo del Toro’s love for handcrafted creations is evident in every frame of the film, from the intricate designs of the Troll Market to the Golden Army itself. This tangible craftsmanship imbued the movie with a sense of wonder and weight that CGI often struggles to replicate. In a time when VFX-heavy productions dominate the industry, revisiting a film like Hellboy II feels like stepping into a time capsule of creativity.

Del Toro’s comments invite a renewed appreciation for films that rely on practical effects, even as Hollywood continues to evolve. Few recent projects represent a filmmaking ethos that values the tangible over the virtual, such as the chestbursting effects of Alien: Romulus. Del Toro's melancholy over Hellboy II: The Golden Army being the last of its kind highlights a bittersweet truth about filmmaking: the tools may change, but the heart of the craft lies in the hands of creators like del Toro, who strive to make magic feel real.

Source: Guillermo del Toro/Bluesky