10 Horror Movie Answers Fans Had To Wait For

Despite only appearing in the original Hellraiser for ten minutes, The Hell Priest, aka Pinhead, immediately became the face of the nightmarish Clive Barker-created franchise. Thanks to Doug Bradley's towering performance and the character's astounding design, the Cenobite leader has remained one of horror's most recognisable villains, with this feat all the more impressive considering next to nothing was known about the sadomasochistic demon.

At least, at first. 

However, in the first two sequels, it's unveiled that Pinhead was once a British military officer called Elliot Spencer. Originally a noble and compassionate man, Elliot became disillusioned during his time in World War I.

Embracing a life of hedonism, it wasn't long before Elliot stumbled upon a puzzle box, which served as a doorway to the Cenobite dimension. After solving the box, he was reborn as a wicked leather-clad pin-cushion. 

Although Pinhead's backstory could've diminished the character, it ended up benefitting the narrative. Pinhead is evil personified, but it's hard not to see him as a tragic villain, especially after watching Spencer's spirit doing everything he could to redeem himself and destroy his insidious form.