Yahoo Movies Wolf Man's Leigh Whannell explains personal end credits tribute
Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide.
Wolf Man director Leigh Whannell has explained the horror film's end credits tribute and the personal story behind it.
The latest incarnation of the classic movie monster features Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner as a couple who are attacked by a vicious creature, one that can cause its victims to transform into something just as horrifying.
The filmmaker wrote the film with his wife Corbett Tuck, and the duo experienced tragedy a few months before filming, as Corbett's brother Chandler died by suicide at the end of 2023.
Related: UK film release dates
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Leigh explained how the film was initially based on how diseases like Alzheimer's can tear a family apart, with some post-COVID theming of hiding indoors from a threat, but took on a more personal meaning with Chandler's death.
"It wasn't as if the film was written about him, but it was such a blast wave of shock," he told the publication.
"It's a hand grenade, a loss like that. It just leaves so many unanswered questions. I think he was with me while I was making the film, that there was this very raw attachment to grief."
Related: Wolf Man ending explained: How the tragic reveal links to original movie
"It's rare that you see a filmmaker writing about the thing while they're in the thing. I felt like I was as raw and as emotional as [the actors] were. I had [Chandler] in mind the whole time. I think the film ended up being cathartic for me in terms of grieving in those scenes."
In Digital Spy's review, we said the film's focus made for an engaging experience with excellent visual storytelling, but not one that was hugely scary.
Wolf Man is out now in cinemas in the UK and US.
We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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