One week after it was revealed that Universal Pictures has set a mystery Universal Monsters property for release April 21, 2017, comes word, via Deadline, that the studio is courting Aaron Guzikowski (Prisoners, Contraband) to write a rebooted take on The Wolf Man.
Universal’s original The Wolf Man was directed by George Waggner and released in 1941. Starring Claude Rains and Lon Chaney Jr. in the title role, the film was followed by four semi-sequels, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man in 1943, House of Frankenstein in 1944, House of Dracula in 1945 and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein in 1948. Universal later attempted a reboot, The Wolfman, in 2010.
Already announced for Universal’s upcoming monster slate is The Mummy, set to be directed by Alex Kurtzman from a script by Jon Spaihts. “Fargo” executive producer Noah Hawley is also said to be scripting a mystery project while another title previously rumored was a reboot of the “Van Helsing” franchise, with Tom Cruise attached to the title role.
There’s no telling whether or not this new take on The Wolfman will grab that 2017 placeholder date, but it should be noted that the franchise will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2016.
