ROTTEN TOMATOES: Joe Johnston Takes the Reins of Universal's Wolf Man

Joe Johnston Takes the Reins of Universal's Wolf Man

And here Mark Romanek thought they had something special...

by Jeff Giles | February 05, 2008

Mere days after being left at the altar by (ex-) director Mark Romanek, Universal's The Wolf Man has found itself a new helmer.

Variety reports that the horror remake will now be directed by Joe Johnston, the man responsible for bringing films such as Honey I Shrunk the Kids, October Sky, and, um, Jurassic Park III to the big screen. From the article:

Benicio Del Toro has long been attached to play the title character, but Romanek's exit comes after the studio firmed up Anthony Hopkins to play the title character's father, and for Emily Blunt ("Charlie Wilson's War") to play the female lead.

Universal has now dodged bullets with two of its highest-profile 2009 pictures; the studio quickly replaced Brad Pitt with Russell Crowe when the former left State of Play, and with Johnston's hiring, they ensure that the long-gestating Wolf Man (or Wolfman -- these news reports can't seem to make up their minds) will have a chance to start earning back its $85 million budget on time.

Source: Variety

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(1-17 of 17 posts) | Reply

Silverevilchao writes:
on Feb 05 2008 05:39 AM

"Wolf Man"? WOLF FREAKING MAN?! What the HELL were they THINKING when they green-lighted this?!

(Reply to this)

The Pin writes:
on Feb 05 2008 06:00 AM

I agree. Some movies are only good as campy, low-budget, B horror films. Why redo them with an $85 million budget? I think it would be interesting what they could do with a $10 million budget. That I would see.

(Reply to this)

Vortex&Vertigo writes:
on Feb 05 2008 07:46 AM

People, it has freaking Benicio del Toro in it and despite years of waiting he hasen't stepped out. It's clear he wants the role and it's clear he will do something interesting with it.

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atticus-alaric writes:
on Feb 05 2008 08:55 AM

In reply to this comment (#1554696)
In a time where studios greenlight films like Meet The Spartans and The Hottie and the Nottie, you're gonna question a remake long overdue about a werewolf with Benecio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Rick Baker doing the make-up, ILM doing the visual fx, and a script written by Andrew Kevin Walker( SE7EN, Sleepy Hollow, and 8MM )in the mix?

There hasn't been a decent werewolf film in years, I'd say it's about time they tried to do something about it.

So your disgust is ridiculous.

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jokerboy1991 writes:
on Feb 05 2008 08:58 AM

Uh well at least its better then Bret Ratner, but why not James Mangold or Frank Darabont.

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TombstoneLawDog writes:
on Feb 05 2008 09:07 AM

This could actually be good BECAUSE of Del Torro, ala' Jack Nicholson in 'Wolf.'

Everyone went to see a relatively slick--if silly-- movie because we wanted to see Jack go freakin' NUTS as a wolf.

Del Torro doesn't have that kind of pulling power but he does have this weird charisma. This might not suck.

(Reply to this)

nathanpoitras writes:
on Feb 05 2008 09:27 AM

I wish they would have given McG this one, so someone more qualified could have handled the new Terminator flicks.

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unbreakable_samurai writes:
on Feb 05 2008 11:12 AM

I was hoping for Mangold, but Johnston's not bad. I'm happy they are going forward and finally making this.

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TheGreatOne13 writes:
on Feb 05 2008 11:56 AM

Damn it...I wanted Darabont

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thesmilingpsycho writes:
on Feb 05 2008 01:55 PM

In reply to this comment (#1554898)
point well taken, but as far as a decent werewolf flick being released lately, aside from being a huge blockbuster, i actually liked a little movie called dog soldiers.

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theginsengtree writes:
on Feb 05 2008 03:23 PM

In reply to this comment (#1554813)
I agree, and I'm excited to see his portrayal. After all, Del Toro was only cast in Sin City after Rodriguez saw him at an awards show with "wolf man" hair.

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lestatthevampire writes:
on Feb 05 2008 05:31 PM

Um... Jurassic Park 3 was a good movie. Under appreciated, but good.

(Reply to this)

cuteview writes:
on Feb 05 2008 07:22 PM

With Del Toro, and Hopkins...both Academy Award winners on board... this movie might be good and I will see it...
Now if it had Ratner I would honestly think about it...then again I can't stand Ratner...

(Reply to this)

Shatter24 writes:
on Feb 05 2008 08:58 PM

Excited about seeing this. I think Johnston is a decent choice to direct.

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nightbat666 writes:
on Feb 06 2008 12:48 AM

yeah, this might be good.
well, couldn't be worse than meet the spartans.

(Reply to this)

ronin247 writes:
on Feb 06 2008 10:59 AM

I have a better idea: Why not remake Jurassic Park and merge it with Wolf Man and have a dino eat him!

(Reply to this)

renny2077 writes:
on Feb 07 2008 03:47 AM

Atleast change the title. Wolf Man sounds so corny. I'm expecting some serious werewolf horror.

(Reply to this)

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