Wolf Man and Hollywood's Quest to Make Monsters Relevant Again

Dracula. The Frankenstein Monster. The Invisible Man. The Mummy. And, of course, the Wolf Man.

These iconic monsters have evolved and adapted over the decades, transcending singular interpretations while consistently terrifying audiences across generations. Recent examples include Robert Eggers' Nosferatu and Guillermo del Toro's upcoming Frankenstein film. Now, writer-director Leigh Whannell adds his own unique take on the Wolf Man.

But how does a filmmaker like Whannell reignite audience interest in yet another werewolf movie, specifically one centered on the Wolf Man? More broadly, how do filmmakers, as Whannell notes, make classic monsters both frightening and relatable in the modern era?

Gather your torches, wolfsbane, and stakes – and prepare to delve into the metaphorical depths of monster lore – because we interviewed Whannell about the impact of classic monster movies on his work, his approach to reviving beloved creatures like the Wolf Man in 2025, and why you should care.