Ron Perlman has long advocated for a third "Hellboy" film, but his optimism diminished earlier this year when he conceded the sequel “probably will never happen, though you never say never.” However, it seems as if the franchise star is just about ready to say "never."

During a roundtable interview at New York Comic Con for Guillermo del Toro's animated "Trollhunters," Perlman was asked about the status of "Hellboy 3." “We don’t talk about that anymore," he told Screen Rant, adding, "Because he’s busy, and I’m busy. Maybe one day he’s going to call and say, ‘Hey, let’s do it.’ But for right now? We’re happy discovering new worlds to conquer.”

Indeed, del Toro and Perlman are busy, the former with projects like "The Strain," "Pinocchio" and "The Shape of Water," and the latter with "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," "Pottersville" and "Sergio and Sergei." That's not to mention Netflix's "Trollhunters," which reunites the pair for the first time since "Pacific Rim."

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However, Perlman has long publicly held out hope to make "Hellboy" a trilogy," explaining in August 2015, " “I feel we’re obligated to finish the story. That’s it. End of conversation.” Shortly thereafter, he even revealed del Toro's vision for "Hellboy 3," saying, "it’s such an amazingly theatrical, cinematic idea, that I found it essential that we do it. Holy shit, he’s the beast of the Apocalypse. He has to take down civilization. He has to. It’s non-negotiable. That’s the foundation for the story, and that’s why I think it would be a shame if we don’t do it.”

Based on the comics by Mike Mignola, "Hellboy" debuted in 2004, introducing Perlman as the title character. The film grossed $99 million worldwide, enough for to result in the 2008 sequel "Hellboy II: The Golden Army," which earned more than $160 million.