UPDATE: Per Amazon Prime Video, there was an error in the date release information and “Hellboy” won’t be available on Prime Video, but instead will be available to rent on July 23. So, yeah, the rest of the article below is outdated. But you’re more than welcome to read if you like.
One of 2019’s biggest film failures, critically, financially, and speculatively, is most definitely “Hellboy.” The Neil Marshall-directed reboot of the popular comic book series, as well as the film series from Guillermo del Toro, was dead on arrival when it was released in April. The film was savaged by critics and became the subject of post-release headlines due to its apparent troubled production. And now, adding further insult to injury, Lionsgate is so down on the film, the studio is unceremoniously dumping it on streaming…the same day as the Blu-ray release.
According to recent July listings released by Amazon (via TV Insider), the recent “Hellboy” film is set to be available for Prime members to stream for free on July 23, which is the same date that the film will finally be sold on Blu-ray and DVD. This is incredibly odd for a number of reasons.
First, films like “Hellboy” (big budget films with a wide theatrical release) normally don’t arrive on streaming services until about 90 days after the Blu-ray release. In fact, this could come a full year after the film hits theaters. But in the case of this superhero horror film, it will arrive on Prime Video a mere 102 days after it was released in theaters. We’re talking the speed of going from theaters to streaming like we see with films like “Roma.” And that film only hit theaters just for awards consideration.
Secondly, and perhaps more perplexing, is the financial standpoint. “Hellboy” isn’t going to be available for VOD streaming (to rent and buy) until July 9. Meaning that people who are not paying attention to these sorts of things will pay money to stream the film when they could have waited 2 weeks to get it for the price of a Prime membership.
READ MORE: Neil Marshall’s Edgelordy ‘Hellboy’ Is A Dreadful, Juvenile Mess [Review]
That means there’s really no incentive for people to pay money to stream the film. Why not wait another 2 weeks?
In addition, why would anyone even bother with buying the film on 4K, Blu-ray or DVD? Are the special features that important? Let’s be real, 99% of the people (everyone that isn’t a diehard “Hellboy” stan) just want to watch the film and don’t need the disc.
So, it appears the final nail in the coffin for the “Hellboy” reboot is set. The film is now doomed for a streaming release when only three months ago, people were talking about a potential new franchise. Oof.