It’s early days, but sources tell Collider thereistruth to a recent report fromThe Hashtag ShowthatItdirectorAndy Muschiettiis circling a new adaptation ofGary Brandner’s 1977 horror novelThe Howling, which of course served as the basis of the 1981 film of the same name.
Sources confirm that Netflix has the rights toThe Howling, though the streaming service had no comment. An individual with knowledge of Muschietti’s early talks indicated that the two sides were still far apart, though the director has felt confident enough that a deal will make to mention it in public while moderating a panel with the cast ofUnderwaterfollowing a press screening of the monster movie.
Netflix has been behind some gigantic genre hits, such asStranger Things,Haunting of Hill House, and most recently,The Witcher, but its October movie lineup –In the Tall Grass,Fractured,EliandRattlesnake– was not especially well-received. One agency source said to expect Netflix to beef up its horror offerings as it looks to stave off competition from rising streamers like Shudder. A new adaptation ofThe Howling, apparently, is part of that effort.
I’ll be curious to see whether this new adaptation embraces CGI, or practical effects. And it sure would be interesting if, given Muschietti’s propensity for splitting up a single book into chapters, thisHowlingadaptation turned out to be aseries. I wonder if at this early stage, in addition to the financial details of it all, they’re simply talking about what this thing would ultimately look like if he does, in fact, take the helm.
The Howlingfollows a woman who survives a traumatic attack, only to recuperate in a quiet mountain town where, unbeknownst to her, the residents are actually werewolves. Though I’ve never read the book, it’s apparently quite different fromJoe Dante’s movie, so we’ll have to wait and see which version Muschietti champions.
Up next for Muschietti is a newFlashmovie that, to the best of my knowledge, is expected to seeEzra Millerreturn as the character. For more on that DC project,click here.
