The full trailer for Leigh Whannell's Wolf Man has finally arrived, showcasing a fresh take on the classic werewolf mythos. Known for revitalizing horror franchises, Whannell shifts gears from the supernatural roots of lycanthropy to a modern-day thriller with an infection-driven narrative. In this version, the focus lies not on curses or mystical transformations but on the horrifying notion of a contagious, dangerous sickness that strikes during a full moon.
This innovative approach reflects Whannell's evolving directorial style, previously demonstrated in films like The Invisible Man and Upgrade. With Wolf Man, he continues his trend of updating classic horror with grounded and relevant themes. The director recently shared in an interview with Discussing Film that he was particularly inspired by the post-pandemic world, where proximity to others can present serious health risks. By framing the werewolf not as a supernatural being but as a victim of a terrible infection, Whannell brings a unique spin that resonates with contemporary audiences.
The cast features Christopher Abbott in the lead role, alongside Julia Garner, Sam Jaeger, and Matilda Firth, who all contribute to what looks to be an intense and gripping cinematic experience. With a January 17th release, the film will be Whannell's fourth directorial project, adding to his reputation for breathing new life into horror classics. Universal and Blumhouse are backing the film, promising a theatrical release that should appeal to both horror aficionados and mainstream moviegoers alike.
Wolf Man's trailer interests me as it uses the fresh concept to stay away from the usual path of reign of werewolves. This infection angle gives a level of realism that feels liked for today's world, perhaps reinvigorating the genre in the same way The Invisible Man reinvigorated the genre. By making Wolf Man more relatable and unsettling than its predecessors, Whannell's choice to modernize the horror by drawing parallels to real life fears, could have been just what the was ailing.
What do you think of Leigh Whannell's decision to remove the supernatural element from Wolf Man? Do you prefer your werewolf stories rooted in folklore, or are you excited about this new infection-based approach?
