Neil Marshall’s Hellboy is all set to open in theaters in a matter of weeks. In casting Hellboy’s adoptive father prickly Professor Trevor “Broom” Bruttenholm, the producers swung to acclaimed British actor Ian McShane who is best known for his Golden Globe -winning role as boomtown saloon owner Al Swearengen in the HBO series “Deadwood”. In a career that spans more than five decades, McShane has appeared in hundreds of films and televisions episodes.

“Casting Ian McShane allowed us, with Mike Mignola’s help, to approach Professor Broom with a bit more complexity than in the comic books,” says Levin. “Ian added his own incredible presence: He’s vigorous and strong, sharp and humorous, and knows well what works for him. He and David had great chemistry, which gave them a lot to mine creatively.”

The movie also features Nimue the Blood Queen (Milla Jovovich), Ben Daimio (Daniel Dae Kim), and Alice Monaghan (Sasha Lane) amongst others from the sprawling Hellboy mythos.

Hellboy opens in theaters on April 12.