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 interpretation of the Wolf Man.

But how does a filmmaker like Whannell capture modern audiences' interest in yet another werewolf film, especially one centered on the Wolf Man? More broadly, how do these filmmakers, as Whannell notes, make classic monsters frightening and relatable in the present day?

Prepare your torches, wolfsbane, and stakes—and your capacity for interpreting the metaphorical depths 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!