Wolf Man backlashes from horror film director Leigh Whannell after design controversy

The studio that previously brought you the classic Universal Monsters blockbuster and failed to deliver on modern attempts like Tom Cruise’s “The Mummy” and… The dark universe that was never to beand truly inspiring course corrections like Leigh Whannell’s “The Invisible Man” in 2020, have now set their sights on the next long-awaited horror update. Universal is clearly following an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” strategy by bringing Whannell back into the fold and letting him work his signature magic once again – this time, with the latest retelling of the Wolf Man. The famous story of unsuspecting victims succumbing to the most horrific transformations when the moon turns full is almost as old as cinema itself, but it’s safe to say we’ve never seen it unfold quite like this before.

At least, that seems to be the main takeaway from early reactions to The Wolf Man, thanks to a few critics and journalists lucky enough to catch a press screening much earlier than the rest of the general public. (No, I’m not terribly jealous or anything, why do you ask?) The further we move away from the Dark Universe and its painfully misguided approach to directing the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the more this seems like a blessing in disguise. The disastrous results seem to have scared the studio executives right off the bat, prompting a major re-edit in which they had no choice but to make room for talented, visionary filmmakers to cook (as the kids say).

See what critics are saying about “Wolf Man” below, new creature design and all.

We trust Lee Whannell! The Australian director proved his skills as a writer in various films in the “Saw” and “Insidious” franchises before stunning viewers with his directing of “Upgrade” in 2018. He finally received near-universal acclaim with “The Invisible Man” alone. Two years later, it now looks like it’s time for him to pull off another victory after hitting a two-hit shutout in “Wolf Man.” Fans are sure to expect all sorts of creative scares, tension that could be cut with a bloody knife, and a palpable respect for classic Universal Monsters. It’s all present and present this time around, and what’s more, it looks like you might think twice before setting foot in a spooky forest in the middle of the night after watching Wolf Man.

But don’t take my word for it. That’s according to the editor and writer of The Mary Sue Rachel Lishmanwho posted on the website She went on to praise main lead Christopher Abbott as a “star” who stole the show as doomed husband and father Blake.

critic Griffin Schiller He went further, claiming that those who loved “The Invisible Man” had nothing to worry about at all: “Leigh Whannell continues to be a master of space and sound with (‘Wolf Man’). A very good reimagining that plays like ‘The Invisible Man’.” Via “The Fly”. A claustrophobic parental panic attack with nasty body horror and a surprising amount of heart. If you enjoyed “The Invisible Man,” you’ll find out!” And in case you needed further confirmation, Benjamin Watts IGN echoed these thoughts with its reaction: “(‘Wolf Man’) howls with raw emotion and aching intimacy. Leigh Whannell crafts a storm of sadness and ferocity, echoing the enigmatic elegance of ‘The Invisible Man’ (2020). If ‘this is a film that resonates’ You have it, (‘Wolf Man’) will leave its mark just as deep.”

Of course, this reimagining of horror is far from a (wolf)man show. As much as audiences will no doubt see just how bloody, violent and outrageous this remake of “Wolf Man” will be, it wouldn’t be a Leigh Whannell film if there wasn’t something more emotional to latch on to. This comes thanks to the film’s other two leads, Julia Garner and Matilda Firth as Blake’s wife Charlotte and daughter Ginger, respectively. The family dynamic proves to be an integral part of the story the director is telling here, judging by the many reactions that follow.

Peter Gray From The AU Review puts it this way: “2025 is off to a great start with (“Wolf Man”). Leigh Whannell cuts all the fat, crafts a tense, no-nonsense thriller, and wraps his moving narrative in a story about relationship. Dynamics, loss, generational trauma, and determination Original sound and organic concerns everywhere. NovaSteam Nick LaBarro He agrees wholeheartedly, calling the film “a tense, straightforward thriller that sees Christopher Abbott unleash the battle between man and beast with his powerful performance! Julia Garner is the heart and humanity of the drama. Leigh Whannell’s crazy visual and audio creativity is astounding.” !

And to put a good point on that, Film discussion by Andrew Salazar Makes sure to draw attention Redesign of the titular “Wolf Man”, which has been the subject of some controversy In recent months. While the marketing hasn’t shown much of a glimpse of Wolf Man’s actual appearance, fans are in for a treat. According to Salazar, Leigh Whannell’s “Wolf Man” is an exciting and highly entertaining take on classic werewolf cinema. Less is more in this powerful story about generational guilt. The “infected” Wolf Man design also works much better on screen. Very different, but also complementary to The Invisible Man.”

Are you feeling a little feverish after reading all this unanimous praise? Don’t worry, this is (most likely) just hype. “Wolf Man” will make its way to theaters on January 17, 2025.