Werewolves have long been overshadowed in the horror genre. While there are some werewolf supporting characters in larger horror stories and a few quality werewolf-centric films, vampires and zombies seem to steal the spotlight. Director Leigh Whannell might just change that with his latest project, "Wolf Man".

Unleash the Werewolf's Hidden Potential

Director Leigh Whannell's Journey with Werewolves

Leigh Whannell is no stranger to the horror genre. He is the writer of popular films like "Saw", "Cooties", and "Insidious", and the director of the 2020 hit "Invisible Man". Now, he is bringing a classic Universal monster back to life with "Wolf Man". In an interview with TMS' Rachel Leishman, Whannell discussed how he aimed to honor the legacy of the Universal property while also making a relevant and entertaining film for modern horror audiences."It's really tough. It's all just guesswork," Whannell said. "You make the film in pieces, assemble it in a dark room, and throw it out into the world. You never know how people will react. So, this movie is my best guess at what people would love. I'm making the movie that I would want to see, and hoping there are others who feel the same way."

The Casting Change and Christopher Abbott's Performance

Last December, there was a significant casting change for "Wolf Man" when Ryan Gosling, originally cast as Blake (the titular Wolf Man), was replaced by Christopher Abbott. When asked about his approach to casting, Whannell looks for actors with versatility that he can trust. He found that Abbott's performance as a father in the film was particularly touching. Although Abbott is not a father in real life, he formed a sweet, paternal relationship with co-star Matilda Firth (who plays Blake's daughter, Ginger)."A great actor like Chris can do anything," Whannell said. "He can do comedy, as seen in 'Poor Things'. I've seen him play various roles, from a desperate drug addict to funnier ones. I knew his capabilities as an actor, and my job was to give him different challenges."

Whannell's Desire for Original Films

Whannell has adapted two major genre stories with "Invisible Man" and "Wolf Man", but he dreams of creating original films with new worlds for moviegoers to explore."I loved making 'Wolf Man' and 'Invisible Man'," he said. "But for my next project, I grew up in an era when original movies were released every week. Gremlins, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, and The Goonies were all in theaters during that classic 80s era. I'm envious of those filmmakers because Hollywood was really embracing originality. Now, there is a lot of reliance on IP. But I want to put original films out there."Having already written some of horror's most fascinating original stories, fans are eagerly anticipating Whannell's next project. In the meantime, "Wolf Man" arrives in theaters on January 17, 2025.To watch the full interview with Leigh Whannell or explore more of our content, visit the TMS YouTube Channel. The Mary Sue is supported by our audience, and when you purchase through our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy.