Wolf Man director Leigh Whannell teases which famous horror monster he wants to approach next. The upcoming reboot centers on Blake (Christopher Abbott), whose nightmarish transformation coincides with a werewolf encounter, placing his wife (Julia Garner) and young daughter in danger. This movie is the second Universal monster production helmed by Whannell, following his reboot of The Invisible Man in 2020. With more classic monsters available for him and Blumhouse to reimagine, another film seems likely, especially as anticipation for Wolf Man‘s release grows.
Whannell recently spoke with Screen Rant at New York Comic Con about what Universal monster he’d tackle next. The director expressed interest in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, though he doesn’t currently have an idea in mind for them. As he explained, Robert Louis Stevenson’s original novella, and those distinct personalities being one character, used to scare him. Read Whannell’s comments below:
I’ve always thought Jekyll and Hyde. That book, when I was a kid, really creeped me out, the concept of it. Of all the monsters, that one used to really stay with me. There’s something about the hero and the villain being the same person. I think it would be a really good modern version of Jekyll and Hyde. I don’t know exactly what it would be.
There Is Potential To Reboot An Underrated Universal Monster
Underrated compared to other Universal monsters, including Dracula and the Mummy, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde could benefit from a modern adaptation. The story primarily revolves around scientist Henry Jekyll, who attempts to conceal his unscrupulous tendencies, but eventually becomes the more sinister Edward Hyde. As Whannell mentioned, these characters occupy the same body, and considering the progression of VFX and makeup, the transformation scenes alone should be horrifying. The darker version of Jekyll also commits murders, including that of a young girl, which makes him a formidable antagonist.
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While they appeared on-screen in the 1900s, there aren’t many popular movies focusing on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In recent years, the characters have been featured in other content, including Van Helsing and 2017’s The Mummy (portrayed by Russell Crowe), but it’s worth wondering why Blumhouse hasn’t recreated the classic science-fiction horror story yet. Also, considering how familiar audiences are with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and how well some of the modern Universal monster reboots have performed, it makes sense to give them a new movie.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was originally published in 1886 and the first adaptation was a short film, directed by Herbert Brenon, in 1913.
Our Take On A Potential Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Movie
Whannell Proves He Can Create Thrilling Reboots
Whannell proved that he was capable of modernizing a classic, and very recognizable, monster in The Invisible Man. He also managed to successfully create tension and employ technology, while incorporating a strong story centered on Elizabeth Moss’ Cecilia Kass. If the trailer for Wolf Man is any indication, he gets to do something completely different now by isolating these characters in dark settings and showing some grisly effects. All of this helps make a potential Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde reboot appear more enticing.
Source: Screen Rant
Wolfman is a reboot of the classic Universal Monsters movie The Wolfman. Christopher Abbott stars in the lead role and is helmed by The Invisible Man director Leigh Whannell. The film follows the same premise as the original and the 2010 reboot, focusing on a man who becomes a werewolf after falling victim to an ancient curse.
- Director
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Leigh Whannell
- Release Date
-
January 17, 2025
- Studio(s)
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Blumhouse Productions
- Distributor(s)
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Universal Pictures
- Writers
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Leigh Whannell
, Corbett Tuck
, Lauren Schuker Blum
, Rebecca Angelo - Cast
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Christopher Abbott
, Julia Garner
, Matilda Firth
, Sam Jaeger
, Benedict Hardie
