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
We Speak Actors
‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat
Travis Lee Eller isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller deeply immersed in the world of Westerns, both on-screen and off. Whether portraying rugged frontiersmen or crafting authentic, weathered cowboy hats through his business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, Eller understands that every detail—especially the right hat—helps define a character. Currently, you can catch him in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, now streaming on YouTube. Later this year, he’ll appear in two Western short films, ‘Darlin’’ and ‘Stubborn’, both directed by Robert Gamperl and set to make the film festival rounds before landing on streaming platforms. And, of course, fans of ‘Elkhorn’ can look forward to season two, premiering in late 2025 produced by Morningstar Entertainment on the INSP Network. We caught up with Eller to talk about his career, the legacy of Westerns in Hollywood, and why the perfect hat is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings a character to life.
You’re known for acting in Western film and TV projects. Which ones are you most proud of?
I don’t think I play favorites when it comes to my projects. What I remember most are the experiences on set, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each project pushes me to grow as an actor. That said, I’m especially proud of my latest script, ‘No Man Was Civilized’. It’s a story I’ve spent years developing, and I’m excited to see where it goes.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now, I’m filming season two of Elkhorn for the INSP Network. The series takes place in the 1880s and follows a young Teddy Roosevelt as he ventures west to prove himself as a cowboy. I play Joe Ferris, the town shopkeeper, and the story is rooted in true events. The new season is set to premiere in late 2025. Beyond acting, I recently finished writing a Western feature film called ‘No Man Was Civilized’, which weaves together four short stories into a single, cohesive narrative. Writing has been a long but rewarding process, and I can’t wait to see it take shape.
Your business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, is also connected to Western projects. In what way?
My hats are known for their worn, distressed look—it’s a craft I’ve spent years perfecting. Over time, actors, directors, and costume designers have reached out for custom pieces to fit specific characters. I even wear my own designs in my work. In fact, the hat I’m wearing in ‘Elkhorn’ season two is one of mine. I’ve always believed that in a Western, the hat is the final touch that defines a character. It tells a story before a single word is spoken.
How do you balance your business and acting career?
During my downtime, I’m usually making hats.The two never really interfere with each other—if anything, hat-making is therapeutic for me. I often find myself running lines in my head while working in my studio. If it weren’t for acting, I probably wouldn’t have started my business in the first place. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.
What advice would you give to actors who want to appear in Westerns?
Every actor has their own approach to storytelling, character development, and capturing the right tone. There’s no single “right way” to do it. But for me, my love of Westerns comes from a deep passion for that era of American history. I grew up in a household where Westerns were always on TV, so it became part of my DNA. If I had to give one practical piece of advice? Don’t wear your hat backward. I see it happen in movies and TV shows all the time, and it always makes me cringe a little.
What upcoming projects do you have?
Right now, you can watch me in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, available on YouTube. Later this year, I’ll be in Darlin’ and Stubborn, two Western short films directed by Robert Gamperl, both of which will hit the festival circuit before streaming. And, of course, Elkhorn season two arrives in late 2025, produced by Morningstar Entertainment.
Beyond that, my agent, Beverly Brock, is always pitching me for new opportunities. I’m excited for whatever comes next and grateful for every step of the journey.
Featured photo credit: Morgan Weistling
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