A Howl in the Night: Universal’s ‘Wolf Man’ Reboot Bites into Modern Horror, But Leaves Sequel Hopes Hanging
Universal Pictures unleashes its latest monster movie reboot, "Wolf Man," this weekend, bringing a contemporary twist to the classic lycanthropic tale. Directed by Leigh Whannell, the mastermind behind the successful 2020 reimagining of "The Invisible Man," this new iteration sheds the period setting and familiar Lawrence Talbot character for a fresh take on the werewolf myth. Starring Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, and Matilda Firth, the film plunges a modern family into a terrifying struggle for survival as the patriarch transforms into a ravenous beast. While Whannell’s proven success with Universal’s monster properties suggests a potential franchise in the making, "Wolf Man" notably lacks any end-credits or post-credits scenes, leaving audiences without a concrete hint of future installments.
The film arrives on the heels of Universal’s series of classic monster movies that captivated audiences from the 1930s through the 1950s. Iconic figures like Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, the Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon cemented their places in pop culture history, with the original "Wolf Man," starring Lon Chaney Jr., joining the pantheon in 1941. Subsequent sequels featuring Chaney’s werewolf followed, culminating in a 2010 remake starring Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins. This latest reboot, however, marks a significant departure, foregoing the established narrative and character of Lawrence Talbot for a new story set in the present day.
Whannell’s approach follows the successful model of his "Invisible Man" reboot, opting for a contained narrative and a focus on suspense and horror over elaborate universe-building. This strategy aligns with the production approach of Blumhouse, the horror production company partnering with Universal on these monster reboots. Blumhouse’s focus on lean budgets and impactful storytelling has proven fruitful, allowing for creative risks without the burden of massive financial expectations. "Wolf Man," with its reported $25 million production budget, exemplifies this cost-effective approach, making the film a potentially lucrative venture for Universal even without blockbuster-level box office returns.
The absence of any post-credits teasers in "Wolf Man" leaves the future of the franchise ambiguous. While the film’s financial viability and Whannell’s track record suggest a strong possibility for sequels, no official announcements have been made. This stands in contrast to the traditional practice of using end-credits scenes to hint at future storylines or spin-offs, particularly within established franchises. The lack of such a scene might indicate a wait-and-see approach by Universal, contingent on the film’s box office performance and critical reception.
However, the rich history of the Wolf Man character and Universal’s extensive monster movie library provide ample material for potential sequels. Lon Chaney Jr.’s portrayal of the Wolf Man spanned multiple films, including crossovers with other Universal monsters like Frankenstein’s monster and Dracula. This interconnected universe of classic monster movies offers a blueprint for future installments, potentially integrating other reimagined characters into the narrative. However, Universal must tread carefully, learning from the missteps of its failed Dark Universe initiative, which attempted to launch a shared monster universe with the ill-fated 2017 "Mummy" reboot starring Tom Cruise.
The success of Whannell’s "Invisible Man" and the cost-effective Blumhouse model suggest a viable path forward for Universal’s monster franchise. Focusing on individual, well-crafted horror films, rather than forcing a sprawling interconnected universe, seems a more prudent approach. The future of the "Wolf Man" franchise remains uncertain, but the potential exists for this modern reimagining to spawn a new generation of werewolf tales, building on the legacy of Universal’s classic monster movies while carving its own distinct path in the horror genre. The R-rated "Wolf Man" opens in theaters nationwide, inviting audiences to experience a contemporary howl in the night, leaving them to ponder the beast’s potential return.
