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Seth MacFarlane has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy with a prolific array of projects, including “Family Guy,” “American Dad,” “The Cleveland Show,” “The Orville,” and “Ted.” Known for assuming numerous roles within his creations, his voice has become as recognizable as his unique comedic style. Beyond his own productions, MacFarlane has lent his voice to various animated endeavors, such as cameo appearances in the “Futurama” and “Drawn Together” direct-to-video releases, as well as Illumination’s “Sing.” Yet, perhaps his most unexpected voice role emerged in a live-action superhero film in 2008.
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This surprising appearance was in “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” a film crafted by the visionary director Guillermo del Toro. In this movie, MacFarlane takes on the voice of Johann Krauss, a character who transitions from human to a psychic entity encased in a steampunk suit, complete with a German accent. Tasked by the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, Krauss is charged with keeping Hellboy, portrayed by Ron Perlman, in line after the demon’s existence is exposed to the public. Unlike his comic book counterpart, this cinematic version of Krauss initially appears as a strict bureaucrat but eventually joins forces with Liz Sherman, played by Selma Blair, to defy the rules and aid Hellboy.
Initially, the role of Johann Krauss was intended for German actor Thomas Kretschmann, known for his work as Baron Wolfgang von Strucker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Kretschmann’s voice didn’t harmonize with the mechanical sound effects of the suit, leading to a flat performance. Enter Seth MacFarlane, whose vocal talents proved to be the perfect fit.
In a post on the official “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” message board, as reported by CHUD, Guillermo del Toro praised MacFarlane’s skills, stating, “He is one of the most talented and versatile voice actors I’ve ever met,” adding that MacFarlane’s portrayal of Johann had a profound impact, saying, “His Johann made a massive difference in my heart. I thank heavens for his availability and showmanship.”
Seth MacFarlane wasn’t del Toro’s first choice
Universal Pictures
While “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” faced stiff competition from “The Dark Knight” and had a brief stint at the box office, it has since gained a devoted following, becoming a cult classic within the superhero genre. MacFarlane’s quirky performance as Johann Krauss remains one of the film’s most charmingly offbeat highlights. Unfortunately, plans for a third installment never materialized, with subsequent reboots of the franchise struggling to capture the same magic.
In a post on the official “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” message board (via CHUD), del Toro emphasized that MacFarlane’s acting abilities go far beyond his “Family Guy” voices, calling him, “one of the most talented and versatile voice actors I’ve ever met,” and that, “his Johann made a massive difference in my heart. I thank heavens for his availability and showmanship.”
Though “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” didn’t last long at the box office due to competition from “The Dark Knight,” the auteur-driven superhero fantasy film has become a cult classic of the genre. MacFarlane’s humorous performance as Strauss remains one of its most endearingly eccentric features. Sadly, a third movie never materialized, with the franchise instead being rebooted multiple times to diminishing returns.
