Hellboy (2019): Decoding The Post-Credit Scenes

Alright, guys, let's dive into the Hellboy reboot from 2019 and dissect those after-credits scenes. Whether you loved it, hated it, or were just plain confused by it, those little snippets at the end are always worth a second look. So, grab your popcorn (or maybe some enchiladas, if you're feeling Hellboy-esque) and let's break it down.

Unpacking the Mid-Credit Scene: A Baba Yaga Reunion?

The first after-credits scene, which appears mid-way through the credits, throws us right back into the bizarre and unsettling world of Baba Yaga. Remember her? The creepy, chicken-legged house-dwelling witch with a penchant for gouging out eyes? Yeah, that Baba Yaga. In this scene, we see Hellboy, looking significantly worse for wear, visiting her once again. He’s clearly not there for a friendly chat over tea and crumpets. Instead, he’s back to fulfill a promise he made earlier in the film – a promise that, let’s be honest, he probably regretted the second it left his lips.

Hellboy's Unsavory Deal

To recap, during their initial encounter, Hellboy struck a deal with Baba Yaga to get information he desperately needed. The price? One of his eyes. But, being the quick-witted demon he is, Hellboy tricked her, offering up the eye of a recently deceased associate instead. Baba Yaga, unsurprisingly, wasn't thrilled when she discovered the switch. This mid-credits scene shows Hellboy seemingly making amends, suggesting he's finally ready to pay up. The scene ends with Baba Yaga cackling maniacally, implying that Hellboy's troubles are far from over, and potentially setting up a sequel that, alas, never materialized. But what does it all mean? Well, it hints at a deeper connection between Hellboy and the supernatural underworld, and the long-lasting consequences of making deals with powerful, ancient beings. It's a classic Faustian bargain trope, and it underscores the idea that Hellboy's actions, even with good intentions, often have unforeseen and dire repercussions. This scene also reinforces Baba Yaga as a formidable and vengeful antagonist, one who clearly holds a grudge and isn't afraid to play the long game. Whether she would have become a primary villain in a potential sequel remains a mystery, but this scene certainly leaves the door open for her return. The dark and twisted humor of this scene is also classic Hellboy, blending the grotesque with the comedic in a way that's both unsettling and entertaining. It's a reminder that even in the face of cosmic threats, Hellboy still has to deal with the mundane annoyances of broken promises and vengeful witches. And that, in itself, is a pretty hellish existence.

The End-Credit Scene: Teasing Lobster Johnson

Now, let’s move on to the end-credit scene. This one is a bit more straightforward and serves primarily as fan service for those familiar with the wider Hellboy universe. This scene introduces us to Lobster Johnson, a pulp-era vigilante who is a prominent figure in the Hellboy comics. Who is Lobster Johnson you ask? He's a masked crime fighter known for branding his victims with a lobster claw symbol. Think of him as a supernatural version of The Shadow or The Spirit, operating in the 1930s and fighting gangsters, Nazis, and all sorts of occult weirdness.

Setting the Stage for a Potential Spinoff

The scene depicts a group of soldiers exploring a secret Nazi laboratory. They stumble upon a mysterious chamber, where they find strange technology and occult artifacts. Suddenly, a figure emerges from the shadows, dispatching the soldiers with brutal efficiency. This figure is, of course, Lobster Johnson, complete with his signature lobster claw branding iron. The scene is short, sweet, and to the point. It establishes Lobster Johnson's character and sets the stage for potential spinoffs or sequels that would delve into his adventures. For comic book fans, this was a particularly exciting moment, as it brought a beloved character to the big screen, albeit briefly. It also hinted at the rich and expansive world of the Hellboy universe, filled with all sorts of bizarre and fascinating characters just waiting to be explored. This scene is a clear indication that the filmmakers were hoping to expand the Hellboy franchise beyond the core Hellboy story, potentially creating a shared universe of supernatural adventurers. Whether that would have involved Lobster Johnson teaming up with Hellboy, or starring in his own standalone films, is something we'll never know. But the scene serves as a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been. It's also worth noting the visual style of this scene, which is heavily influenced by pulp comics and 1930s adventure serials. The grainy film stock, the dramatic lighting, and the stylized action all contribute to a distinct and nostalgic feel. This sets Lobster Johnson apart from the rest of the Hellboy film, establishing him as a character with his own unique aesthetic and tone. The casting of Lobster Johnson was also a point of interest for fans, with many speculating on who would be chosen to play the iconic character. Ultimately, the end-credit scene served as a sort of audition, showcasing the potential of the character and gauging audience interest in seeing more of him. While the Hellboy reboot ultimately failed to launch a successful franchise, this scene remains a testament to the enduring appeal of Lobster Johnson and the rich mythology of the Hellboy universe.

Why These Scenes Matter (Even if We Didn't Get More)

So, why are these after-credits scenes important, especially considering the Hellboy reboot didn't exactly set the box office on fire? Well, they provide valuable context and expand the world of the film. They offer glimpses into potential future storylines and introduce characters that could have played a significant role in sequels or spinoffs. In the case of the Baba Yaga scene, it reinforces the themes of consequence and the dangers of making deals with powerful entities. It also adds a layer of complexity to Hellboy's character, showing him as someone who is not always in control of his own destiny. He is a powerhouse, but he's also a pawn, a player in a much larger game. And sometimes, he's just plain unlucky.

Expanding the Hellboy Universe

The Lobster Johnson scene, on the other hand, serves as a clear attempt to broaden the scope of the Hellboy universe. It introduces a new character with his own distinct backstory and set of abilities, opening up possibilities for new adventures and storylines. It also demonstrates the filmmakers' commitment to staying true to the source material, bringing to life a character that is beloved by comic book fans. Even though the reboot didn't achieve the success that was hoped for, these after-credits scenes offer a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been. They hint at a richer, more expansive world, filled with fascinating characters and thrilling adventures. They also serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the Hellboy universe and its potential for future adaptations. Ultimately, these scenes are a love letter to the fans, a way of saying, "We know you love these characters, and we want to give you more of what you want." Whether that promise was ultimately fulfilled is a matter of debate, but the intent was certainly there. And for many fans, that's enough. The fact that these scenes continue to be discussed and analyzed years after the film's release is a testament to their enduring impact. They have become a part of the Hellboy legacy, a reminder of what could have been, and a source of hope for future adaptations that will do justice to the source material. So, while the Hellboy reboot may not have been a critical or commercial success, its after-credits scenes remain a valuable and intriguing part of the Hellboy story.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the Hellboy (2019) after-credits scenes are interesting little additions to a film that had a lot of potential but didn't quite hit the mark for everyone. They tease future storylines and offer a nod to hardcore fans of the comics. Whether you found them exciting or disappointing, they definitely give you something to chew on after the credits roll. So, next time you're watching Hellboy (2019), be sure to stick around for those extra scenes. You might just find something to appreciate, even if the rest of the movie left you scratching your head.