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 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 offers his unique vision of the Wolf Man.

However, how does a filmmaker like Whannell reignite modern audiences' interest in another werewolf film, specifically one centered on the Wolf Man? More broadly, how do these filmmakers, as Whannell notes, make classic monsters both terrifying and relatable in the present day?

Prepare your torches, wolfsbane, and stakes – and your capacity for interpreting the metaphorical depth of monster narratives – 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!