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HELLRAISER (2022) Puzzle Configurations

Designing the Lament Configuration was only the beginning, as the puzzle transforms into five subsequent configurations in the movie. These all had to feel at once distinct and as one, while all staying true to the spirit of the source material. Many thanks to Director David Bruckner and Art Director and Cenobite designer Keith Thompson for being wellsprings of ideas and excellent partners in crime - I truly had a great time working on this movie.

This was my first freehand exploration of new configurations. Interestingly, both Lauderant and Lazarus are fairly close to their final designs.

This was my first freehand exploration of new configurations. Interestingly, both Lauderant and Lazarus are fairly close to their final designs.

I continued in 3D, investigating the boundaries of readable geometrical complexity. Simpler is better.

I continued in 3D, investigating the boundaries of readable geometrical complexity. Simpler is better.

First attempt at a line-up. Only Lore and Liminal changed significantly from this image.

First attempt at a line-up. Only Lore and Liminal changed significantly from this image.

My first take on Lore - Essentially an octagon forcing its way out of the Lament configuration.

My first take on Lore - Essentially an octagon forcing its way out of the Lament configuration.

Here the final version of Lore, unsolved and solved.

Here the final version of Lore, unsolved and solved.

An investigation of how Lore would split for the final twist of the puzzle, which had to work in a fight between two characters.

An investigation of how Lore would split for the final twist of the puzzle, which had to work in a fight between two characters.

Laudarant - which is the "Love" configuration, had its shape from the beginning: Two pyramids merging like lovers. And yes, totally inspired by Moebius' "L'Incal", because of course it is!

Laudarant - which is the "Love" configuration, had its shape from the beginning: Two pyramids merging like lovers. And yes, totally inspired by Moebius' "L'Incal", because of course it is!

A study of the glyphs that adorn the Garden side of Laudarant.

A study of the glyphs that adorn the Garden side of Laudarant.

First go at Liminal, inspired by a hypercube.

First go at Liminal, inspired by a hypercube.

I had an idea of doing a hollow configuration, so that solving the puzzle would require manipulating it from the inside, but ultimately it was too complex, and didn't fit the story needs.

I had an idea of doing a hollow configuration, so that solving the puzzle would require manipulating it from the inside, but ultimately it was too complex, and didn't fit the story needs.

A peek inside.

A peek inside.

Final Liminal, with the Garden and Labyrinth mixed up.

Final Liminal, with the Garden and Labyrinth mixed up.

Lazarus was inspired by an hourglass - Time undone.

Lazarus was inspired by an hourglass - Time undone.

And finally Leviathan, the final configuration, taking its shape from the god itself.

And finally Leviathan, the final configuration, taking its shape from the god itself.

There was an idea of it lighting up upon completion. It was ultimately discarded, but it did look cool.

There was an idea of it lighting up upon completion. It was ultimately discarded, but it did look cool.

These shapes all had to transform into each other, which is easier said than done. Here is my attempt at finding a way for Liminal to transform into Leviathan in as few steps as possible.

These shapes all had to transform into each other, which is easier said than done. Here is my attempt at finding a way for Liminal to transform into Leviathan in as few steps as possible.

A still from the movie, showing a bit of configuration lore.

A still from the movie, showing a bit of configuration lore.

Check the trailer for configuration goodness, and be sure to check out the movie on Hulu!

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