Modern Werewolf Tale ‘Wolf Man’ Brings Classic Horror to New Heights

Fans of classic Universal horror will be looking forward to 2025… Universal Pictures and Blumhouse have released the official UK trailer for Wolf Man, the upcoming horror feature from acclaimed writer-director Leigh Whannell. Known for his chilling reimagining of The Invisible Man, Whannell now returns with a fresh take on another iconic creature: the werewolf. Starring Golden Globe nominee Christopher Abbott and Emmy winner Julia Garner, Wolf Man follows a family whose retreat to a remote farmhouse quickly descends into terror as ancient nightmares come alive.

In this modern twist on the classic tale, Abbott stars as Blake, a San Francisco man who inherits his estranged father’s isolated Oregon home. Desperate for a break from city life and the strains in his marriage to high-powered wife Charlotte (Garner), Blake persuades her to join him and their young daughter, Ginger (Matilda Firth), on a family trip to the secluded property. However, their attempt at family bonding turns deadly when they are attacked by a mysterious creature upon arrival. As Blake’s behaviour begins to shift in horrifying ways, Charlotte faces the brutal dilemma of whether the greater threat lies outside their home or within it.

Wolf Man aims to reinvent werewolf lore for a new generation. Producer Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions highlights how Whannell’s vision promises something beyond standard scares, capturing a mix of psychological suspense and visceral horror that has become synonymous with Whannell’s work. “This isn’t just a werewolf film,” said Blum. “Leigh’s approach brings a level of humanity and complexity to this monstrous tale that we think will surprise audiences.”

The trailer teases Whannell’s knack for blending intimate human drama with creeping horror, enhanced by striking visuals filmed in the atmospheric forests of New Zealand. The casting of Abbott and Garner, known for their intense performances in It Comes at Night and Ozark respectively, adds a layer of emotional weight to the film, grounding the supernatural threat in a relatable struggle of survival and family loyalty.

Supporting the lead pair are The Handmaid’s Tale actor Sam Jaeger and The Invisible Man’s Benedict Hardie, with a screenplay crafted by Whannell alongside Corbett Tuck, Lauren Schuker Blum, and Rebecca Angelo. The film’s haunting look is the work of make-up artist Arjen Tuiten, though the creature design has already stirred debate online following its divisive reveal earlier this year at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Scheduled for release on 17th January 2025, Wolf Man is poised to stand out in the wave of popular creature features and vampire revivals, showing that monsters of classic horror remain as compelling as ever when given fresh depth and a modern edge.

We’ll share more news as it comes. In the meantime, enjoy the new trailer below.

Wolf Man trailer

Horror trailers