Christopher Abbott Replaces Ryan Gosling in Werewolf Thriller ‘Wolf Man’ From Blumhouse, Universal

Christopher Abbott is the new “Wolf Man,” taking over the starring role in the upcoming monster movie from Blumhouse and Universal Pictures from Ryan Gosling.

Details on the project are being kept under wraps, but Abbott (“Poor Things,” “It Comes at Night” and a Golden Globe nominee for “Catch-22”) plays a man whose family is being terrorized by a lethal predator.

More from Variety

• Ryan Gosling: 'We Really Know Nothing' About 'Barbie 2,' but 'Can I Play Husky Ken?'

• Ryan Gosling Praises Mark Ronson's 'Kenergy': 'The Entire World Gave Zero F--s About Ken ... Look At Him Now' 

• 'Fast & Furious 9' Producers Fined $1 Million Over Stuntman's 'Life-Changing' Accident

“Wolf Man” will be directed by Leigh Whannell — who was behind the 2020 hit “The Invisible Man,” which relaunched the Universal monsterverse and grossed $144 million at the global box office — and is dated for release on Oct. 25. The film is written by Whannell and Corbett Tuck and Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo (“Dumb Money”).

The project was originally announced in 2020 with Gosling set to star; in 2021, Derek Cianfrance signed on to direct, reuniting after their acclaimed collaborations on 2010’s “Blue Valentine” and 2012’s “The Place Beyond the Pines.” The pair departed the picture together, though Gosling will remain involved with the project as an executive producer.

Jason Blum is producing the film, which is a Blumhouse and Motel Movies production. Gosling, Ken Kao, Bea Sequeira, Mel Turner and Whannell are executive producers. “Wolf Man” marks Whannell’s fourth movie for Blumhouse, following “The Invisible Man,” “Upgrade” and “Insidious: Chapter 3.”

Abbott is represented by William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, Entertainment 360, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern; Whannell is represented by CAA and Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light; Schuker Blum & Angelo are represented by CAA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

THR was first to report news of the casting change.

Best of Variety

• New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 

• Oscars Predictions: Documentary Feature – Which 15 Movies Will Make the Shortlist?

• Oscars Predictions: Best Actress - Could Emma Stone Join Two-Timer Winners Jodie Foster and Elizabeth Taylor?

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.