After hours of prosthetics, what was it like to see yourself become characters like Abe Sapien in the Hellboy films and Fauno in Pan's Labyrinth? "It's what every little boy dreams of, even this 51 year old little boy. I can completely lose myself in these fantasy characters, and it's easier to watch myself in the finished movie without judging my own face so much, like I do in my human roles. It's also such an honor to wear designs from some of the best artists in the world, many of whom have been recognized by the Academy."
Speaking of prosthetics, you were fitted for a costume for a Frankenstein movie with Guillermo Del Toro. Then nothing further really happened, can you update the status of the film? "Well, technically, I have yet to do an actual fitting on my real person. I did see the design of Frankenstein's Monster as an 18 inch maquette, and the make-up sculpt that was done on a life-size bust of me, all based on Bernie Wrightson's stunning Frankenstein illustrations. It was so hauntingly beautiful, my eyes got a little moist. As far as I know, del Toro's movie is still in development at Universal Pictures. He recently reported that he turned in a synopsis/treatment of the story to the studio in August, but doesn't have a finished script yet. He has often talked about this being his dream project, as it was the book and the movie that made him want to be the filmmaker he is today, so this is not a script he will rush just to finish. In the meantime, he's directing PACIFIC RIM, so I think we have a bit more waiting for FRANKENSTEIN."
As for the continued work of Abe, we know that due to the struggle to lift a Hellboy 3 off the ground that the studio may be interested in doing a B.P.R.D. movie. Is this something you have been approached to do, or have any interest in doing? "I would absolutely be interested in Abe living on in a B.P.R.D. movie, even though I would sorely miss the relational dynamic of the HELLBOY team. No one has officially approached me on this yet, but I have heard casual talk when socializing with the powers that be. Abe Sapien is my favorite costumed character I've ever played, so this would be a no-brainer to say yes to.
Just going to ask, Hellboy 3, any chance of it happening? "If only I was the one with that answer! I want this more than anyone, what with the set-up HELLBOY 2: The Golden Army gave us, but I've heard no more than you have on whether or not it's going to happen, or when."
A reboot for Fantastic Four is being planned over a third movie, but was there ever any chance of you returning for a third film, or even the rumored Silver Surfer spin-off? "I signed on for my first movie in that franchise with a 3 picture deal that anticipated a Silver Surfer stand-alone film to come. My IMDb page has had a Silver Surfer movie on it, in development, for over 5 years now. So again, no one has officially approached me about actually filming, but this is a beautiful, stoic, heroic character I would love to delve into again!"
Now going off what this site is about, we have a lot of fans that would like to see you expand your list of comic book characters to play. Any you have interest in? "I've already been blessed to play a couple of beloved comic book characters, so I don't want to be a hog ... however ... that being said, I would love to explore the possibility of playing a movie version of DEAD MAN. And even though this isn't a comic book thing, another small dream of mine is to play Jack Skellington on Broadway in a stage version of A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, if such a thing could ever happen. And I sincerely hope Tim Burton is reading this interview."
You can follow Doug Jones on Twitter (@actordougjones)!
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