We mentioned this story a while back, I believe, but now we have some solid progress, so here we go again: Universal is hot to remake "The Wolf Man," which would normally be pretty bad news. But based on the director, the screenwriter, and the lead actor they have lined up, you'll forgive me for being a little bit psyched.

Based on the classic 1941 chiller "The Wolf Man," the new movie will still be based in the original time frame (cool). Screenwriter on the scene in Andrew Kevin Walker, who, after writing "Seven," has a lifetime fan in yours truly. The just-named director is Mark Romanek, the music video maestro who also gave us "One Hour Photo" a few years back. And the leading man is Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro, who'll be playing the lycanthropically challenged Lawrence Talbot.

Universal looks to be moving full steam ahead on this project right now. Expect some more cast announcements soon -- and the movie by the middle of next year. (Or heck, why not October?)