Wolf Man is a 2025 American horror film directed by Leigh Whannell, serving as a reboot of the classic The Wolf Man franchise. The narrative follows Blake Lovell, portrayed by Christopher Abbott, a family man who becomes infected by a werewolf and undergoes a harrowing transformation.
Plot Summary: In 1995, during a hunting trip in Oregon’s remote mountains, young Blake Lovell and his father, Grady, encounter a mysterious humanoid creature. Years later, as an adult in San Francisco, Blake receives news of his father’s death and decides to visit his childhood home with his wife, Charlotte (Julia Garner), and their daughter, Ginger. There, they are attacked by a creature, resulting in Blake being scratched. As Blake’s condition deteriorates, he experiences physical and mental changes, leading to a tragic confrontation with his own family.
Cast:
- Christopher Abbott as Blake Lovell
- Julia Garner as Charlotte Lovell
- Sam Jaeger as Grady Lovell
- Matilda Firth as Ginger Lovell
- Ben Prendergast as Wolf Man
- Benedict Hardie as Derek Kiel
- Leigh Whannell as Dan Kiel (voice)
Production Notes: Initially announced in 2014 as part of Universal’s Dark Universe, the project underwent several changes. After departures of previous director Derek Cianfrance and lead actor Ryan Gosling in 2023, Whannell assumed both roles. Principal photography took place in New Zealand in early 2024. citeturn0search0
Release and Reception: Wolf Man was released in the United States on January 17, 2025. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for its practical effects, tension, and the cast’s performances, while criticism was directed at its writing, pacing, and deviations from the original source material. Financially, it grossed $34.8 million against a $25 million budget, marking it as a box office disappointment. citeturn0search0
For a visual glimpse into the film, you can watch the official trailer below:
