Guillermo del Toro has heaped praise on actor Ron Perlman calling him his 'good luck charm'.
Del Toro is back on producing duties with animation film The Book of Life, and he brought Perlman on board to voice one of the characters.
The director and actor have worked together on several big screen projects - most famously for the Hellboy franchise.
And del Toro reveals that Perlman is an actor that he just loves working with because of his versatility.
Speaking to ShortList Magazine, the director said: "I cast Ron (in 'The Book of Life') simply because he can do anything.
"I've worked with him repeatedly, and he's almost a good luck charm to me. He gets cast as these heavies, but he can do comedy so well.
"I thought he was perfect for Xibalba. Ron is so good at that blend of charm and creepiness. I'm a better writer when I write for him."
Hellboy and Hellboy II: The Golden Army were released back in 2004 and 2008 and the possibility of a third film remains little more than a rumour at present.
Del Toro is set to return to the director's chair next year with Crimson Peak. Filming has already wrapped and it is one of the 2015 films that I am already looking forward to.
The director has brought together a terrific cast as Mia Wasikowska, Charlie Hunnam, Tom Hiddleston, and Jessica Chastain are all on board.
A second Pacific Rim movie is in the pipeline for del Toro, as well as new interpretation of Pinocchio.
Tagged in Guillermo Del Toro