Full Breakdown
The Development of The Howling Remake
4/14/2026, 12:55:02 PM
Overview of The Howling Franchise
The Howling, a seminal werewolf film directed by Joe Dante in 1981, is recognized for its groundbreaking special effects, particularly in the realm of transformation sequences, crafted by Rob Bottin. The film, based on Gary Brandner's 1977 novel, follows a traumatized news anchor, played by Dee Wallace, who discovers a colony of werewolves. Despite its modest box office performance, grossing $17.9 million, The Howling has achieved cult classic status, leading to multiple sequels and adaptations.
Current Development Status
StudioCanal's new genre label, Sixth Dimension, is currently developing a remake of The Howling. Hugh Spearing, the Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Distribution at StudioCanal, announced this initiative at CinemaCon. This new adaptation aims to revisit both the original film and the novel, marking a significant step in the franchise's evolution.
Previous Attempts and Reception
The Howling franchise has seen a total of seven sequels since the original film, including titles such as Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985) and Howling III: The Marsupials (1987). The most recent attempt, The Howling: Reborn, released in 2011, was poorly received, earning a mere 17% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics noted that this iteration attempted to distance itself from the original's legacy, with comments highlighting its lack of connection to the original film.
Rumored Adaptations
In 2020, there were reports of a potential Netflix adaptation of The Howling, with director Andy Muschietti, known for his successful 2017 remake of Stephen King's It, attached to the project. Muschietti had expressed interest in remaking the 1981 horror classic, but as of now, no further updates have been provided regarding its progress.
Official Statements & Responses
At this time, there are no official release dates, casting announcements, or detailed synopses available for the upcoming remake of The Howling. StudioCanal's commitment to revitalizing the franchise through Sixth Dimension reflects a broader trend in the film industry, where classic horror properties are being reimagined for contemporary audiences.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the remake, there is skepticism based on the mixed reception of previous adaptations. Critics have raised concerns about the potential for the new film to replicate the failures of its predecessors, particularly The Howling: Reborn, which was criticized for its disconnection from the original film's themes and style.
What's Next
As the development of The Howling remake progresses, industry watchers will be keen to see how StudioCanal navigates the challenges of honoring the original while appealing to modern audiences. Further announcements regarding casting and production timelines are anticipated in the coming months.
