Dracula. The Frankenstein Monster. The Invisible Man. The Mummy. And, of course, let's not overlook the Wolf Man. These iconic monsters have evolved and transformed over the years, transcending their original forms while continuing to terrify audiences across generations. Recently, we've seen Robert Eggers bring us a new Dracula through his Nosferatu film, Guillermo del Toro is working on a fresh take on Frankenstein, and now, writer-director Leigh Whannell is putting his spin on the Wolf Man.
The challenge for filmmakers like Whannell is to reignite interest in these classic monsters for today's audiences. How can they make a werewolf movie, specifically the Wolf Man, feel fresh and relevant? How can these creators, as Whannell puts it, make these legendary creatures scary and pertinent once more?
To explore these questions, arm yourself with torches, wolfsbane, and stakes—and an understanding of the metaphors within monster stories—as we delve into a conversation with Whannell. We discuss the impact of classic monster movies on his work, strategies for revitalizing beloved characters like the Wolf Man in 2025, and the reasons why these stories still matter.
