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, defying singular interpretations while consistently terrifying 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 unique vision of the Wolfman.

However, how does a filmmaker like Whannell capture modern audiences' attention with yet another werewolf film, particularly one centered on the Wolfman? How do any of these filmmakers, as Whannell notes, make these classic monsters frightening and meaningful in the present day?

Gather your torches, prepare your wolfsbane, sharpen your stakes – and hone your ability to decipher the metaphorical depth of monster stories – because we interviewed Whannell about the impact of classic monster movies on his work, his approach to revitalizing beloved creatures like the Wolfman in 2025, and why you should be captivated!