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

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

And, of course, the Wolfman.

These iconic monsters have evolved and adapted over time, transcending singular interpretations while continuing to terrify 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 offers his interpretation of the Wolfman.

But how does a filmmaker like Whannell capture modern audiences' interest in yet another werewolf movie, especially one centered on the Wolfman? More broadly, as Whannell himself notes, how do any filmmakers revitalize these classic monsters, making them both terrifying and resonant in the present day?

Gather your torches, prepare your wolfsbane, sharpen your stakes—and hone your ability to decipher the metaphorical depths of monster stories—because we interviewed Whannell about the impact of classic monster films on his work, his approach to resurrecting beloved creatures like the Wolfman in 2025, and why you should care!