Dracula. The Frankenstein Monster. The Invisible Man. The Mummy. And oh yes, don’t forget the Wolf Man. These classic monsters have evolved and transformed over the decades, transcending any singular interpretation while continuously thrilling and terrifying audiences across generations. We've recently seen a fresh take on Dracula in Robert Eggers' Nosferatu, and now Guillermo del Toro is bringing us a new Frankenstein. Meanwhile, writer-director Leigh Whannell is putting his unique spin on the Wolf Man.
But how does a filmmaker like Whannell captivate modern audiences with yet another werewolf movie, especially with the iconic Wolf Man? How do these filmmakers, as Whannell suggests, rejuvenate the classic monsters to make them both scary and relevant once more?
To delve into these questions, arm yourself with torches, wolfsbane, and stakes—and an openness to the deeper metaphors within monster stories. We had the opportunity to discuss with Whannell the impact of classic monster movies on his work, his approach to reviving beloved characters like the Wolf Man in 2025, and why these stories continue to matter.