Reasons Why Wolf Man 2 Will Not Happen

Leigh Whannell, known for his work on the iconic Saw and Insidious franchises, is reviving Universal’s classic monsters with his latest project, the reimagined Wolf Man. Following the success of his 2020 film The Invisible Man, Whannell is taking another iconic character and putting his unique spin on it.

The forthcoming film will feature Christopher Abbott in the lead role, portraying a husband and father who encounters a wolf, leading to unsettling changes in his behavior towards his family.

For an in-depth critique of the film, be sure to check out our Wolf Man review here. Below, Whannell shares his thoughts about the future of this captivating story and why a sequel may not be on the horizon.

Leigh Whannell on the Future of Wolf Man

In a recent interview, Whannell reflected on his creative journey, stating, “I don’t know,” as he considered the possibility of continuing the Wolf Man narrative. He clarified, “I feel like this is a closed book, but we’ll see what happens.” The director emphasized his resolve to tell a complete story, conveying a sense of fulfillment with his work on the film.

While he acknowledged the potential for future ideas to arise, he reiterated, “Usually I come around and I end up in an interview with you… although unlike last time, we’re not able to duck off and have a pint afterwards. That’s rubbish.” His openness about his creative process suggests an ongoing exploration of other narratives, maintaining a balance between innovation and completion.

The Possibility of an Upgrade Sequel

Logan Marshall-Green in agony in Upgrade. — Universal Pictures

When asked about a sequel to his popular film Upgrade, Whannell candidly stated, “At the moment, no one’s asking for Upgrade 2.” This remark highlights the reality that the success of a film often dictates the demand for more, which he describes as a “champagne problem.”

He elaborated on the challenges of creating sequels, noting that studios often push for more content when a film performs well, resulting in a need to contrive additional stories. Whannell’s experience within the franchise system, particularly with Saw, has helped him develop a cautious approach towards sequels. “You have to go back and reverse-engineer more story on the end of your story,” he explained, highlighting the complexity of maintaining narrative integrity.

With an impressive history of storytelling and franchise experience, Whannell aims to ensure that any future project is driven by substantial thematic material rather than commercial pressure. As he moves forward, he remains focused on crafting stories that resonate with both himself and the audience.

Wolf Man is set for release on January 17, 2025. For further insights on how the demise of the Dark Universe has invigorated Whannell’s approach to classic monster stories, click here.