Leigh Whannell Plans Modern Take on Jekyll & Hyde

Director Leigh Whannell's new film, 'Wolf Man,' offers a fresh take on the classic werewolf mythos, emphasizing psychological transformation and emotional turmoil over traditional horror elements. Starring Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott, the film explores the impact of Blake's transformation into a werewolf on his family, presenting it as a slow and harrowing decline akin to a disease. Whannell aims to reframe werewolf lore, focusing on the humanity lost amidst the horror, as noted by Garner, who points out the familiar aspects of Blake that make his transformation all the more terrifying. The movie, which incorporates themes of loss and identity, is a departure from typical werewolf films that often lean heavily on CGI, opting instead for a more intimate and relatable approach. With 'Wolf Man,' Whannell reflects on the potential for revitalizing the Universal Monsters franchise, though he emphasizes his preference for original storytelling. The film's blend of family drama, suspense, and body horror seeks to redefine the werewolf narrative for modern audiences.