Leigh Whannell Explores the Terrifying Impact of the Wolf Man's Legacy
Leigh Whannell Explores the Terrifying Impact of the Wolf Man's Legacy
Following the releases of "Invisible Man" and "Abigail," Universal is back with another modern spin on one of their iconic monsters. Although it's taken some time to bring Leigh Whannell's "Wolf Man" to the silver screen, it's set to hit theaters in just about a month. A new behind-the-scenes video sheds light on the film's numerous influences.
In the video, Whannell openly discusses utilizing the film for exploring "infection and transformation," themes that have long been associated with werewolf narratives. However, his take adds an additional layer: he penned the script during the initial days of the pandemic, which means the film will inevitably also touch upon feelings of "seclusion, fear, and apprehension" that are often associated with illnesses. Our protagonist, Blake, portrayed by Christopher Abbott, undergoes a transformation into the wolf creature after being attacked by one. This transformation leaves his wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) and daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) in a state of shock, leading them to spend the night running away from him.
The director looks up to two iconic 80s horror films, "The Thing" and "The Fly,"" for inspiration. These movies, too, delve into the fear of transformation into something uncontrollable and menacing. For Whannell, who's been in the horror genre since the original "Saw," this is a slightly different path, as his earlier works focused on demonic possession or sinister manipulative beings. However, he shares a genuine passion for using horror as a means to delve deeply into one's subconscious. With "Wolf Man," his aim is to create an "aural assault" and to offer something "horrifying and visceral" to audiences.
We'll have to wait and see if Whannell's terror-inducing tactics translate to an equally frightening on-screen experience when "Wolf Man" graces theatres on January 17, 2025.
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In the future, Whannell's innovative use of technology in filmmaking is expected to further enhance the horror genre, potentially creating even more visceral movie experiences. Furthermore, Io9's upcoming articles promise intriguing insights into the future of beloved franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, as well as the evolving DC Universe and the adventures of Doctor Who.