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

Dracula. Frankenstein's monster. The Invisible Man. The Mummy.

And, of course, the Wolf Man.

These iconic horror figures have evolved and adapted over time, defying singular interpretations while consistently captivating audiences across generations. Recently, we've seen a new Dracula (in Nosferatu form) from Robert Eggers, Guillermo del Toro is crafting a fresh Frankenstein, and now writer-director Leigh Whannell presents his vision of the Wolf Man.

But how does a filmmaker like Whannell reignite audience interest in yet another werewolf film, specifically one centered on the Wolf Man? More broadly, how do any filmmakers, as Whannell notes, make these classic monsters terrifying and meaningful in the modern era?

Prepare your silver bullets, gather your wolfsbane, and sharpen your stakes – and hone your ability to decipher the allegorical depths of monster mythology – because we interviewed Whannell about the impact of classic monster movies on his work, his approach to revitalizing beloved creatures like the Wolf Man in 2025, and why you should be excited!