After a series of staffing changes, including the departure of original star/story pitcher Ryan Gosling and writer/director Derek Cianfrance, Blumhouse’s Universal horror movie reboot of Wolf Man is back on track. Leigh Whannell, previously attached to the project, returns to co-write and direct, while Christopher Abbott takes the lead role. Joining Abbott are Julia Garner from Ozark and Sam Jaeger from The Handmaid’s Tale.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Blumhouse has rescheduled the release date for the Wolf Man reboot to January 17, 2025, nearly three months later than its initial October 25, 2024 date. This announcement follows the commencement of filming on March 17 in New Zealand, as indicated by a set photo shared by co-writer/director Whannell. The new release date replaces the slot previously held by another Blumhouse project, The Woman in the Yard, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra of Black Adam fame.

Why Wolf Man’s Release Delay Is a Good Thing

While delays often raise concerns for a film’s fate, the decision by Blumhouse and Universal to push back the release date of Wolf Man signals a positive turn for the reboot. With production just underway, rushing to meet the original deadline could have jeopardized the project’s quality. Moreover, the new timeline allows for ample post-production time, avoiding the pitfalls of rushed releases or overcrowded competition slots.

As of now, the January 17, 2025 release date only competes with Paddington in Peru and an untitled Guy Ritchie film, which reunites the director with Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González. While Paddington movies have been acclaimed, they haven’t dominated the global box office. Similarly, Ritchie’s recent track record doesn’t guarantee blockbuster success.

A January release could echo Blumhouse’s past early-year triumphs, such as 2023’s M3GAN, which defied expectations by grossing over $181 million against a $12 million budget. Despite mixed reviews, Night Swim also proved profitable. With Whannell leading the charge, Wolf Man has the potential to replicate or surpass these successes, benefiting from the extra time to ensure quality and Whannell’s directorial prowess.

Source: THR


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