Wolf Mandirector Leigh Whannell teases which famous horror monster he wants to approach next. The upcoming reboot centers on Blake (Christopher Abbott), whose nightmarish transformation coincides with a werewolf encounter, placing his wife (Julia Garner) and young daughter in danger. This movie isthe second Universal monster production helmed by Whannell, following his reboot ofThe Invisible Manin 2020. With more classic monsters available for him and Blumhouse to reimagine, another film seems likely, especially as anticipation forWolf Man’s releasegrows.
Whannell recently spoke withScreen RantatNew York Comic Conabout what Universal monster he’d tackle next. The directorexpressed interest in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, though he doesn’t currently have an idea in mind for them. As he explained, Robert Louis Stevenson’s original novella, and those distinct personalities being one character, used to scare him. Read Whannell’s comments below:
I’ve always thought Jekyll and Hyde. That book, when I was a kid, really creeped me out, the concept of it. Of all the monsters, that one used to really stay with me. There’s something about the hero and the villain being the same person. I think it would be a really good modern version of Jekyll and Hyde. I don’t know exactly what it would be.
What Whannell’s Comments Mean For Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
There Is Potential To Reboot An Underrated Universal Monster
Underrated compared to otherUniversal monsters, including Dracula and the Mummy, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde could benefit from a modern adaptation. The story primarily revolves around scientist Henry Jekyll, who attempts to conceal his unscrupulous tendencies, but eventually becomes the more sinister Edward Hyde. As Whannell mentioned, these characters occupy the same body, and considering the progression of VFX and makeup,the transformation scenes alone should be horrifying.The darker version of Jekyll also commits murders, including that of a young girl, which makes him a formidable antagonist.
8 Universal Monsters Movies We Still Need To Happen (Despite Renfield’s Failure)
Renfield’s Dracula retelling flopping at the box office doesn’t mean The Wolfman, The Mummy, and the rest of the Universal Monsters don’t need movies.
While they appeared on-screen in the 1900s, there aren’t many popular movies focusing on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In recent years,the characters have been featured in other content, includingVan Helsingand 2017’sThe Mummy(portrayed by Russell Crowe), but it’s worth wondering why Blumhouse hasn’t recreated the classic science-fiction horror story yet. Also, considering how familiar audiences are with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and how well some of the modern Universal monster reboots have performed, it makes sense to give them a new movie.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hydewas originally published in 1886 and the first adaptation was a short film, directed by Herbert Brenon, in 1913.
Our Take On A Potential Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Movie
Whannell Proves He Can Create Thrilling Reboots
Whannell proved that he was capable of modernizing a classic, and very recognizable, monster inThe Invisible Man.He also managed to successfully create tension and employ technology, while incorporating a strong story centered on Elizabeth Moss’ Cecilia Kass. If thetrailer forWolf Manis any indication, he gets to do something completely different now by isolating these characters in dark settings and showing some grisly effects. All of this helps make a potential Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde reboot appear more enticing.
Wolf Man
Cast
Wolf Man, released on July 30, 2025, follows Blake and his wife Charlotte as they visit his secluded childhood home in rural Oregon. After a mysterious animal attack, they become trapped inside, and Charlotte is forced to confront Blake’s disturbing transformation amidst growing tension and fear.
