8 Classic Monster Movies Leigh Whannell Should Revive for a New Generation

Summary

Leigh Whannell reimagines classic monster movies with a focus on emotional and psychological horror.
Whannell’s talent could bring back many monsters in more subdued and suspense-driven ways, including Tarantula and The Blob.
Whannell’s unique style could breathe new life into other Universal Monsters like The Creature From The Black Lagoon and Dracula.

Over time, Leigh Whannell transitioned from being a writer to an accomplished director in the horror genre. His works, like his versions of “The Invisible Man” and “Wolf Man,” have set him apart. While his style may differ from what fans of Universal Monsters are accustomed to, he is widely recognized as someone who grasps contemporary horror effectively.

Following the success and skill demonstrated by Leigh Whannell in his latest film, “Wolf Man”, fans are eagerly wondering about his future projects. If he decides to delve further into classic monster movies, there’s an abundance of options at his disposal, both within and beyond the realm of Universal Monsters. Some of these creatures seem ripe for a contemporary reboot, practically pleading for a second chance on the silver screen.

8. Pumpkinhead

A Legacy Sequel Could Erase The Poor Sequels

In my opinion, “Pumpkinhead” is a cinematic masterpiece, particularly notable for its extraordinary special effects, created by the legendary Stan Winston. Unlike other horror movies I’ve seen, this one delves deep into the emotional lives of its characters, making it more than just a monster movie. The titular creature in “Pumpkinhead” serves as a grim reminder of vengeance sought against those who unknowingly caused a man’s grief by accidentally taking his son’s life.

The idea of Pumpkinhead can be flexible, allowing for a story departure rather than a strict retelling of the original. Leigh Whannell might introduce a new character who unknowingly summons the demonic entity, leading to a bloodbath. This could resemble Nia DaCosta’s Candyman, where it serves both as a remake and a sequel to the initial film.

7. The Blob

Imagine An Isolation Thriller With Carnivorous Good

The 1988 movie “The Blob,” which depicted a jelly-like creature devouring any living thing in its path and continuously growing larger, was actually a remake of a film from the 1950s. A new adaptation of The Blob by Leigh Whannell offers an opportunity to innovate the concept, potentially exploring the story from the monster’s perspective or shifting to a more isolated location.

In a chilling twist, “The Blob” could gradually infiltrate either a house or an enclosed facility, with fewer characters scrambling to evade its relentless advance. The confined spaces would intensify the fear, much like the claustrophobic horror portrayed in the “Alien” series. Moreover, reminiscent of Leigh Whannell‘s work on “Saw” and “Wolf Creek”, there would be a strong emphasis on gory and grotesque imagery.

6. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame

The Original Universal Monster Deserves A Comeback

Since Leigh Whannel has successfully rebooted the Wolf Man that was originally played by Lon Chaney Jr., he might also revamp the first Universal Monster movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, starring Lon Chaney Sr., to fit a contemporary context: The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Quasimodo is a pitiful character who yearns for love but is shunned as a monster due to being born differently from others.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the intriguing connection between Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and Leigh Whannell‘s work on the “Saw” franchise. While Jigsaw was cold-hearted and ruthless, the Hunchback embodies a deeper, more complex narrative – one that is rooted in tragedy rather than pure evil. This duality, where we both detest and empathize with the character, could be harnessed to create a captivating and multi-dimensional villain on screen.

5. Tarantula

A Movie That Would Be Every Arachnophobe’s Worst Nightmare

Release Date: November 23, 1955
Director: Jack Arnold
Writers: Jack Arnold, Robert M. Fresco
Starring: John Agar, Mara Corday, Leo G. Carroll
Production Company: Universal Pictures
Distributed By: Universal-International

Incorporating an element of tension and suspense plays a significant role in creating an effective horror film, regardless of whether the plot appears implausible or extraordinary on the surface. To illustrate this, let me give you an example: The movie “Tarantula“, which features a humongous spider wreaking havoc due to radiation exposure, may seem like it belongs in a comic book, but Universal Pictures managed to instill fear in audiences through a gradual escalation of the monster’s appearances.

Utilizing contemporary technology, a film like Tarantula could amplify the terror of a large, hairy spider. Collaborating with Leigh Whannell, it could present scenes where the tarantula stealthily approaches the main characters from the shadows, mirroring the tension built in Jaws. Consequently, individuals with arachnophobia might be persuaded to avoid watching this film at home.

4. The Invisible Woman

The First Movie Left The Door Wide Open For A Sequel

It isn’t mandatory for every great horror film to have a follow-up, but Leigh Whannell‘s The Invisible Man concluded in a way that Cecilia, the protagonist, transformed into an “Invisible Woman” to exact vengeance on Adrian Griffin, the antagonist. This development suggests a rich exploration of her emotional turmoil, with Griffin serving as the genesis of a cycle, where her desperate quest for freedom pushes her towards a path that mirrors Griffin’s own ruthless nature as a killer.

In the 1930s, The Invisible Woman was often overlooked as a sequel to The Invisible Man. However, if Leigh Whannell can create several successful installments of the Saw and Insidious franchises, as well as multiple Universal monster movies, there’s no reason why he couldn’t make a sequel to The Invisible Man. This time, it could take a more deliberate approach, focusing on the viewpoint of an invisible killer.

3. Dracula

Leigh Whannell Could Make A Unique Vampire Movie

Without a doubt, Dracula stands as one of the most frequently revisited Universal Monsters. This popularity underscores the enduring power of Bram Stoker’s creation and the cinematic legacy that essentially began with Bela Lugosi. The vampire genre has experienced a revival in recent times, with films like Renfield, Abigail, Nosferatu, and The Last Voyage Of The Demeter being notable examples. Interestingly, these productions are all adaptations of the classic novel, Dracula.

Leigh Whannell is sparking a new approach to Universal Monsters, making them appear more authentic to modern audiences. Given the numerous times Dracula has been reimagined and presented in different styles, a grittier perspective focusing on a more beastly vampire could offer a fresh take on the classic tale.

2. The Creature From The Black Lagoon

The Gillman Does Not Get Enough Love From Universal

Among all the Universal Monster films, it’s peculiar that The Creature From The Black Lagoon has been one of the rare ones not to receive a remake or reboot. However, the Gillman continues to be an enduring icon, with his image appearing on posters, merchandise, and almost everything related to the Universal Monsters brand.

Reimagining the classic tale of “The Creature From The Black Lagoon”, modern technology could enable a reboot to preserve the initial terror while intensifying the monster’s violent spree with increased brutality and gore. Films like “Hellboy” and “The Shape of Water” serve as proof that this concept can be successfully executed and brought to life effectively.

1. Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde

The Duality Of Jekyll And Hyde Best Matches Whannell’s Style

Leigh Whannell‘s interpretation of Universal Monsters emphasizes the emotional and psychological terror inherent in these classic creatures. Among all, none is more fitting for this type of narrative than the mysterious Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This tale explores the chilling scenario where Dr. Jekyll battles to maintain control over his body as his darker self, Edward Hyde, transforms into a ruthless, serial-killing fiend.

The idea behind Jekyll and Hyde can be applied in multiple scenarios. For instance, director Leigh Whannell might choose to highlight an actor’s versatility by having them embody two distinct personalities, perhaps mirroring a case of dissociative identity disorder similar to the one portrayed in “Split”. Alternatively, Whannell could opt to depict a profound psychological and physical metamorphosis, much like the classic Universal film, using special effects as he did with “Wolf Man”.

2025-01-26 20:37