Dracula. The Frankenstein Monster. The Invisible Man. The Mummy. And, of course, let's not overlook the Wolf Man. These iconic monsters have evolved over time, transcending singular interpretations while continuously captivating and terrifying audiences across generations. Just recently, we saw Robert Eggers' rendition of Dracula in the form of Nosferatu, Guillermo del Toro is working on a new Frankenstein, and now, writer-director Leigh Whannell is putting his unique spin on the Wolf Man.
The challenge for a filmmaker like Whannell is to make modern audiences care about yet another werewolf movie, particularly one centered around the Wolf Man. How can any of these filmmakers, as Whannell puts it, rejuvenate the classic monsters to make them both scary and relevant again?
To delve into this, arm yourself with torches, wolfsbane, and stakes, and be ready to explore the metaphors inherent in monster narratives. We had the opportunity to discuss with Whannell the impact of classic monster movies on his work, his approach to reviving beloved characters like the Wolf Man in 2025, and why these stories should matter to you.