For years now we’ve routinely written about the death knells of Hellboy 3, each piece striving to say “the project is dead” in more emphatic terms based on Mignola saying this or Guillermo saying that. The reality is and has always been that the financial landscape hasn’t appeared to be encouraging of a third film, and for all Guillermo’s dodging and make-up chair jokes, it’s the numbers that ultimately speak.

Well, here’s the thing, if Pacific Rim is as big and exciting as it sounds and does very well, Del Toro could be in the position to make a supernatural apocalypse film happen! Let’s also consider that Hellboy 2 actually cost less than the first film, made significantly more, and did pretty well on DVD (more than enough for the film to be a solidly profitable endeavor), all in the wake of a poorly timed release against The Dark Knight. All of which is simply to say that Del Toro would not be completely delusional for trying to make a third one happen, which is good, because apparently he is…

Lest you think this is all rumor springing from Perlman’s amazing Make•A•Wish stunt, here’s Del Toro explicitly saying with his own mouth that he and Ron Perlman are ready to publicly state their intentions to make the third film happen, when asked about it by EW.

 “We would love that now. I can say publicly now that we are together in trying that endeavor. So let’s see if someone finances it.”

Perlman’s response when asked if he’s on board?

“Totally.”

Follow that link above if you care to see the man’s mouth move and actually say the words.

Of course, all the details aren’t worked out and this is an emotional decision to some degree (as you’ll read below). Even bigger is the fact that Del Toro hasn’t consulted Mike Mignola, who has said some of the most negative things about the prospect of a sequel.

Del Toro says the event was also a factor in helping to bring himself and Perlman together on making a third Hellboy. “I’ve encountered a lot of kids who are fans of the movies,” said del Toro, “but to hear the story of this kid who was watching the movies while going through treatment, it really just moved me a lot.” The director stresses that he hasn’t yet approached Hellboy creator Mike Mignola on the prospect of a Hellboy III, nor is a studio signed on yet. But, he says, “We’re going to make an effort to do it. I hope it happens.” So do we!

I want Guillermo’s apocalypse, so bring it on. I’ll feel that much better about buying my Pacific Rim ticket knowing it could contribute to the end of days…