Blumhouse’s 'Wolf Man' Reimagines the Classic Werewolf Myth as a Metaphor for Disease

The new film, directed by Leigh Whannell and starring Christopher Abbott, departs from supernatural tropes to explore themes of illness and isolation.

Leigh Whannell’s 'Wolf Man' reinvents the 1941 Universal classic by presenting lycanthropy as a rabies-like disease rather than a supernatural curse.
Christopher Abbott stars as Blake Lovell, a man grappling with a mysterious affliction that strains his relationship with his family in rural Oregon.
The film was co-written by Whannell and Corbett Tuck during the COVID-19 lockdowns, drawing inspiration from personal experiences with illness and caregiving.
Ryan Gosling, originally set to star, remains a producer on the project after stepping back due to scheduling conflicts, with Abbott taking over the lead role.
The werewolf design and concept have sparked discussions, with some critics praising its grounded approach while others find it underwhelming compared to traditional depictions.