In an exclusive from Variety, it has been revealed that Ryan Gosling (La La Land, Blade Runner 2049) has been tapped to take on the titular role of THE WOLFMAN as Universal moves forward in its latest venture towards tapping into their iconic monster catalog. While details are minimal at this time, there is speculation that the film, much like recent films inspired by the catalog, will take place in the present day.

At this time, there is no director attached to the film. However, Universal is on the hunt in hopes to select a potential director. Gosling was considered for the position, but negotiation discussions pivoted to have him focus solely on acting.

THE WOLFMAN will be written by Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, who were both writers for the hit Netflix series, “Orange is the New Black”.

After an unsuccessful launch of what was to be the Dark Universe with the leading The Mummy movie, you know the one starring Tom Cruise, there was apprehension as to whether or not Universal Pictures would push forward with investing further. Planned movies were paused as Universal went back to the drawing board.

However, after the immensely successful release of Leigh Whannell‘s The Invisible Man, which is not considered a part of Universal’s Dark Universe, it is exciting to see Universal feel more confident in pushing forward with their plans to tap further into their catalog. With a resurging thirst for more werewolf inspired cinematic fare, THE WOLFMAN is a good fit.

The only question of real relevance is the most obvious in a COVID-19 world. When do they intend on shooting? We probably will not know for some time depending on how the reopening of Los Angeles and, eventually, Hollywood productions go.