‘Wolf Man’ Director Was Inspired by Jeff Goldblum & David Cronenberg’s ‘The Fly’ for Werewolf Transformations

'Wolf Man' Director Was Inspired by Jeff Goldblum & David Cronenberg's 'The Fly' for Werewolf Transformations

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for the macabre and a soft spot for reimagined classics, I eagerly anticipate the release of Leigh Whannell’s “Wolf Man.” Having witnessed Whannell’s exceptional adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man,” I am confident that he will once again breathe new life into another Universal Monsters tale.


The movie titled “Wolf Man” is set for release in January, with its director hinting at a terrifying treat for horror enthusiasts. Ever since the trailer dropped, the director has been building anticipation by sharing tidbits about what viewers can expect from the film. His latest comment has only heightened our excitement. As it turns out, the director drew inspiration from David Cronenberg’s “The Fly,” particularly the grotesque metamorphosis of its protagonist, Jeff Goldblum. The director aims to recreate a similar transformation scene for the werewolf transformations in “Wolf Man,” hinting at an abundance of practical effects.

In a conversation with Empire, Whannell shared insights into the appearance of the transformations seen in “Wolf Man”. According to Whannell’s disclosure about the inspirations behind his new film, here’s what we can expect.

“Unlike many horror movies from that era which relied on practical effects, ‘The Fly’ used these effects to convey a sense of tragedy rather than humor. The scenes were not meant to be amusing or disgusting, but rather to portray the plight of a character battling an illness. This resonated with me deeply, and I felt compelled to incorporate this approach in my work. It’s not about being comical or grotesque; it’s about the poignant depiction of the human body breaking down due to disease.

In terms of exploring fresh approaches to age-old topics, Whannell has demonstrated his suitability for the task. The 2020 film, The Invisible Man, served as a remarkable testament to his ability to rework a traditional intellectual property (IP) and make it resonate with contemporary viewers. After all, while being invisible might seem appealing, earlier adaptations of H.G. Wells’ classic failed to evoke the necessary terror.

Whannell’s contemporary remake was set against a backdrop of realism that resonated strongly in today’s society, and introduced innovative aspects to the art of concealment. The $7 million production created a stir at the box office, garnering $144.5 million, right before COVID-19 spread globally. This success paved the way for him to embark on another Universal Monsters project from the classic universe.

‘Wolf Man’ is Yet Another Exciting Universal Classic Monsters Revival

'Wolf Man' Director Was Inspired by Jeff Goldblum & David Cronenberg's 'The Fly' for Werewolf Transformations'Wolf Man' Director Was Inspired by Jeff Goldblum & David Cronenberg's 'The Fly' for Werewolf Transformations'Wolf Man' Director Was Inspired by Jeff Goldblum & David Cronenberg's 'The Fly' for Werewolf Transformations'Wolf Man' Director Was Inspired by Jeff Goldblum & David Cronenberg's 'The Fly' for Werewolf Transformations

In Leigh Whannell’s movie “The Wolf Man,” Blake serves as the head of a family who acquires their Oregon residence following his father’s disappearance. Accompanied by his wife Charlotte and daughter Ginger, they move into their new home, but shortly after arrival, an unusual beast attacks Blake, leaving him injured. Strange changes in his behavior soon ensue. You may wonder what follows this event? The movie features Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, and Matilda Firth as the troubled family.

Whannell conversed with Empire magazine regarding Julia Garner’s captivating portrayal of Charlotte in the movie. He likened her performance to a timeless act seen in the iconic horror masterpiece, “The Shining.

In this movie, she will serve as the emotional guide for the audience, much like Shelley Duvall in “The Shining.” Just as you wouldn’t feel fear in “The Shining” without Shelley Duvall, this actress will be essential in eliciting empathy from viewers. I was determined to find someone who could captivate the audience’s emotional investment, and she exceeded my expectations.

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2024-11-23 20:36