Universal’s “Wolf Man” has officially hit theaters today, January 17, 2025, bringing a fresh take on the classic monster tale. Directed by Leigh Whannell, the mastermind behind 2020’s “The Invisible Man,” this new iteration follows a young family’s terrifying encounter in the woods and their struggle to survive the night.
The film stars Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, and Matilda Firth, and it’s already off to a strong start, earning $1.4 million in Thursday previews. With projected earnings between $17 million and $21 million over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, the buzz around “Wolf Man” is palpable. Currently, the movie holds a 54% critic score and a 63% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, sparking debates among horror fans.
A Terrifying Fight for Survival
As night falls, the family is attacked by an unseen creature, forcing them to barricade themselves inside the farmhouse. But the real horror unfolds as Blake begins to exhibit strange behavior, transforming into something unrecognizable. His wife Charlotte (Garner) faces the terrifying decision of whether the danger inside their home is more lethal than the threat lurking outside.
The film’s climax is a heart-pounding sequence where Charlotte and their daughter Ginger attempt to escape Blake’s increasingly s-a-v-a-g-e transformation. In a twist of fate, Blake manages to kill the original werewolf, only to discover it’s his own father. The emotional crescendo comes when Ginger realizes her father is in pain, leading to a gut-wrenching moment where Charlotte is forced to shoot Blake, freeing him from the werewolf curse.
A New Take on Universal’s Monsters
Whannell’s “Wolf Man” puts a modern spin on the classic werewolf lore. Unlike traditional werewolf stories, Blake’s transformation is more gradual and retains some human attributes even in its final stages. The film also explores the psychological horror of losing one’s humanity, as Blake struggles to understand human speech and grapples with his changing perceptions.
Now, you might be wondering, “Is this ‘Wolf Man’ connected to ‘The Invisible Man’ or part of a larger Universal Monsters universe?” Well, it’s complicated. While both films share Whannell’s modern approach to classic monsters, they’re not officially part of the same cinematic universe. Whannell considered referencing “The Invisible Man“ in “Wolf Man” but ultimately decided against it. So, while they’re not explicitly connected, they do share a similar tone and grounded approach to horror.
What Happened to Universal’s “Dark Universe”?
Remember Universal’s ambitious “Dark Universe“ plan a few years back? Yeah, that didn’t quite pan out. After 2017’s “The Mummy“ with Tom Cruise underperformed, Universal scrapped the interconnected universe idea and opted for standalone films instead. No more Johnny Depp as the Invisible Man or Angelina Jolie as the Bride of Frankenstein. It’s probably for the best, as it allows filmmakers like Whannell to put their unique stamp on these classic monsters without being constrained by shared universe rules.
But don’t think Universal is done with its monsters just yet. While there aren’t any official Universal remakes announced, Jason Blum, the producer behind “Wolf Man” and “The Invisible Man,” has another monster movie in the works. Interestingly, it’s a new take on “The Mummy,” directed by Lee Cronin of “Evil Dead Rise“ fame. The twist? It’s coming from New Line Cinema, not Universal. This means Cronin can’t use elements specific to Universal’s mummy lore, but hey, mummies have been around for thousands of years – there’s plenty of bandage-wrapped terror to go around. Mark your calendars for April 17, 2026, when this new “Mummy” will rise from its tomb and shuffle into theaters.
An Exciting Future for Classic Monsters
We may not get an interconnected monster universe on the big screen, but Universal is still honoring its classic monsters. This summer, they’re opening a dedicated land for these iconic creatures at their Epic Universe theme park in Universal Orlando Resort. While Dracula and the Wolf Man won’t team up in a movie, you might see them together at the park. Now that’s a crossover worth seeing!
Early Reactions to “Wolf Man”
Early reactions suggest “Wolf Man” is a thrilling experience. Whannell’s grounded approach to these fantastical creatures seems to be working. The film explores family, inheritance, and the beast within us all. It’s more than a werewolf story; it’s about losing control and protecting loved ones.
The movie’s effects blend practical and CGI techniques. Abbott’s transformation is especially gruesome and effective. Unlike many werewolf films with rapid changes, “Wolf Man” takes a gradual approach. Blake’s body slowly betrays him. His senses heighten to unbearable levels. His humanity slips away piece by piece. It’s classic body horror at its best.
The film handles werewolf mythology in an intriguing way. Most werewolf stories attribute the curse to the supernatural. “Wolf Man” leaves the cause ambiguous. Is it a curse, a disease, or something else? The film avoids clear answers, leaving room for discussion after the credits roll.
The cast has earned praise for their performances. Abbott and Garner portray a couple on the brink with emotional depth. Young Matilda Firth impresses in her feature film debut, holding her own alongside seasoned actors.
“Wolf Man” delivers for Universal Monster fans and horror enthusiasts alike. Just be cautious during full moons. Something lurking in the shadows might be closer than you think. Happy howling, folks!
