We Speak Actors
Hannah Margetson on embodying the grotesque in ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’
Actress Hannah Margetson appears in some unforgettably creepy scenes in the new film ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’. In the reboot of the franchise, Hellboy discovers a remote community dominated by witches and led by a sinister demon; Hannah plays the mysterious Cora Fisher. Director Brian Taylor worked directly with Mike Mignola, the original creator of the Hellboy comics, to bring the story straight from the comic book to the screen. In a recent Business Insider article, Brian Taylor compliments Hannah’s performance, calling her “an incredible actor and just an out-of-this-world physical performer.” Hannah is also the founder and co-director of Snake Height Creative Company, which offers worldwide services in talent representation, casting, and events. Here she talks about pushing herself in grotesque scenes, supporting other artists, and “punk-rock filmmaking”…
Tell us about ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’ – and who would you recommend it to?
“The film is like a fever dream, loaded with hidden references that are mystical, comic, abstract, and absurd. I’d recommend it to folk horror fans who appreciate gritty, unconventional, and grotesque storytelling, especially those comic book fans who love the original characters and artworks from Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden.”
What was your experience of working on the film?
“It was profound! I dived deep into the collective unconscious, exploring Jungian symbolism.”
“I was lucky enough to work with an incredible team and the legendary Brian Taylor, whose punk-rock filmmaking methods made the experience unforgettable.”
Can you describe your character, Cora Fisher?
“Cora Fisher is a deeply complex character, and embodying her was a heart-wrenching journey. She’s been stripped of everything and treated cruelly, yet still has this innate drive to help and give. Playing her made me reflect on motherhood and the resilience women carry in such a brutal world. Cora’s journey is about survival and sacrifice, and there was something deeply cathartic in expressing a sliver of her story.”
The scene where Cora is wrapped in an ouroboros snake was intense! What was it like filming that?
“That scene was powerful in every sense. Filming it, I found myself rigged high in the forest alongside my serpent companion – it reaffirmed the meaning behind the name of our company, Snake Height, which my co-director Andreas Breilev and I chose a year earlier. Now I have this symbolic scene as proof to why I followed my intuition and trusted my creative path.“
“This movie is filled with haunting encounters, and you have to dodge witch balls and shoot some zombies along the way, but on the other side lies a world of magic.”
There’s a scene in the film where Cora’s empty skin lies on the bed – astonishingly this was created using practical effects, not CGI. What was that like to film?
“Filming that scene was truly extraordinary. The fact that we used zero CGI and relied solely on practical effects allowed me to tap into my full potential, not just as an actress but also as a movement artist. Brian’s vision for this scene made it disturbing and delightfully disgusting in all the best ways. It’s definitely a standout moment for me in the film.”
Tell us about setting up Snake Height Agency?
“To me, Snake Height means constant renewal and transformation on the creative journey. We started the company in the circus environment, as it felt instinctive to support the artistic underdog and produce experimental theatre and film with our own team. Then Snake Height represented me as an actor and helped me land this role as Cora. And with Snake Height’s CastIn’Ladders – our casting portal – launching in 2025, the company is set to expand that vision even further. I want to continue creating space for specialist artists to trust their instincts and express themselves fully. There are exciting things on the horizon, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.”
‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’ is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services now.
Photo credits: Stills from the movie ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’, DOP Ivan Vatsov,Production company Bulgarian National Film Center, Distribution company Ketchup Entertainment
American actor Michael William Freeman has appeared in many hit shows, but is perhaps best known for playing militia member Blake Sarno in ‘Fear The Walking Dead’. Now he’s swapped the zombie apocalypse for a medical procedural, playing the character of Glenn Vogel in the new Netflix series ‘Pulse’, which follows the personal and professional lives of doctors and staff at a busy Miami trauma centre. We talk to Michael about working with his idols, the joys of collaboration, and why ‘Pulse’ feels like it comes from the golden age of TV.
Tell us about your experience working on the new Netflix series ‘Pulse’?
“It was epic. I had such an amazing time on this show, and it was really great to work with Netflix. The very first day I stepped on set, the energy was palpable. Everyone was just so happy and grateful to be part of this project – it really elevated the whole process.”
“Sometimes work can feel like a grind, but this show was a real pleasure. It was such a warm and welcoming environment, and I know that is reflected on screen.”
What was it like working with series creator Zoe Robyn and co-showrunner Carlton Cuse?
“Man, what an absolute dream! Zoe is such a brilliant talent, her writing is so rich and compelling. And Carlton is a master of his craft, an absolute legend in the industry. Yet they both approach the work with zero pretension. It was inspiring and heartening to be around them both. I think it was the most supportive, collaborative environment I’ve ever worked in; it really felt like a family on set. I’d do anything for those two.”
This is Netflix’s first medical drama – did you enjoy working in this genre?
“I’ve done medical procedurals before, which are fun, but this is something different. The heart of this show is the relationships. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of action and excitement, but what really drives the story are the people. It feels like a show from the golden age of television, something like ‘ER’, it’s so thoughtfully crafted and executed.”
“The way all the stories intersect and collide is really special, I’ve never been a part of anything quite like it. I’m really excited for people to see the show, I think they’re going to love it.”
Who will enjoy watching this show?
“There’s something for everyone! There’s romance, action, drama… even a few laughs. It’s stunning work from Zoe, Carlton and the whole cast and crew. Seriously, every department killed it: from hair and makeup, to wardrobe, to camera, everyone really shines. And I know the audience will appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship. Plus it’s such a fun and vivid world to explore.”
You’ve acted in so many hit TV series and films; which projects have been the most pivotal for you?
“‘In Time’ was my first big studio movie and the first time I saw myself on a big screen in a movie theatre. So that was a pivotal job for me and I certainly learned a lot from that experience. ‘Doll & Em’ on HBO was another one. Getting to act with Chloë Sevigny and be directed by Azazel Jacobs was momentous; I was such a big fan of them both and working with them exceeded my expectations. But most people recognise me from ‘Fear The Walking Dead’ – that show definitely raised my visibility and had a lasting impact on my career. I’m really grateful to be a part of that franchise. And now I can add ‘Pulse’ to that list.”
All episodes of ‘Pulse’ are available to stream on Netflix now.\
Featured photo credit: Netflix
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