Last summer, director Andy Muschietti (Mama, IT, IT: Chapter 2) said that he'd like the opportunity to create an updated adaptation of Gary Brandner's 1977 horror novel, The Howling, which was, of course, adapted by Joe Dante back in 1981.
Well, we've learned today that the remake is apparently moving forward at Netflix. This news comes to us from The Hashtag Show, who states that Muschietti will, in fact, direct The Howling for the streaming giant. Supposedly, Muschietti broke the news during a panel with the cast of Underwater following a press screening of the film.
Collider adds a bit more validity to the report, but notes that the project is still in the very early stages of development.
"Sources confirm that Netflix has the rights to The 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."
Joe Dantes's film begins in Los Angeles, where television journalist Karen White (Dee Wallace) is traumatized in the course of aiding the police in their arrest of a serial murderer. Her doctor recommends that she attend an isolated psychiatric retreat led by Dr. George Waggner (Patrick Macnee). But while Karen is undergoing therapy, her colleague Chris (Dennis Dugan), investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding her shock. When his work leads him to suspect the supernatural, he begins to fear for Karen's life. And don't forget the werewolves!
I'm skeptical but doing my best to keep an open mind. Hopefully, the new adaptation, if it actually comes to fruition, will embrace practical effects over CGI. Also, given Muschietti's knack for splitting up a single book into multiple parts, I'm curious to see if he decides to create a series or a feature film.
Tell us your thoughts on this in the comments below.