Ryan Gosling Replaced In Blockbuster Horror Remake

By Jeffrey Rapaport | Published

ryan gosling

Bad news awaits the legions of Ryan Gosling fans worldwide: Christopher Abbott will replace the beloved actor in the upcoming horror remake Wolf Man. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gosling was initially slated to star in the forthcoming Blumhouse and Universal Pictures film directed by Leigh Whannell but has stepped away. 

Christopher Abbott In For Ryan Gosling

Cinema fans may recognize Abbott from his roles in critical darling films like Poor Things. Seizing the lead in this hotly anticipated remake, the actor should contribute his unique sensibility to the project.

The movie has been in the works for over three years; nonetheless, the departure of its A-list lead actor constitutes a significant change in direction. 

Wolf Man Without Ryan Gosling

ryan gosling

Proceeding at a breakneck pace, albeit without Ryan Gosling, Wolf Man is set for a projected release on October 25, 2024. The shift into hyperdrive, production-wise, marks a general change in momentum behind the project.

Under Gosling’s widely reported involvement, the film had been developing noticeably slowly. The universally adored actor had been attached to the film since its inception and reportedly will maintain a connection to the movie—but now as an executive producer. 

Plans For Wolf Man

ryan gosling

The project’s director, Whannell, enjoys wide recognition and industry recognition for his stellar work on The Invisible Man. Yes, Ryan Gosling won’t act in Wolf Man–but Whannell’s presence in the director’s chair keeps eyes on the project. 

Certainly, the director’s work on The Invisible Man has much to do with it.

The latter film amounted to a smart, sleek, and scary take on a classic monster movie archetype first introduced in the H.G. Wells sci-fi novel of the same name.

Invisible Man Director

It impressed critics (especially its splendid performance by lead actor Elisabeth Moss) and terrified viewers. The Invisible Man‘s screenplay advanced a story arguably more about surviving and surmounting domestic and emotional abuse than sci-fi thrills and chills, something fans noted and appreciated.

Viewers hope that even without Ryan Gosling, Wolf Man will thread a similar course combining monster movie frights with brainy, modern themes.

However, as of now, its script, co-written by Whannal, Corbett Tuck, Lauren Shuker Blum, and Rebecca Angelo, is shrouded in mystery. Rumor has it the plot centers on a man, his family, and a lethal predator (probably wolf-like) terrorizing them. 

Blumhouse Movie

Blumhouse and its respected head, Jason Blum, are producing the feature. Blumhouse is renowned for its innovative approach to horror and thriller genres. Ken Rao, Bea Sequeria, Mel Turner, and Whannal will join Gosling as executive producers.

The upcoming film comprises a significant step for Whannell and marks his second monster movie and fourth directorial venture with Blum/Blumhouse. 

Chris Abbott Not A Household Name

While Ryan Gosling is about as mainstream as mainstream gets, Wolf Man’s new lead actor, Abbott, is less of a household name. Still, he’s carved out quite a niche in the indie film circuit.

His performances in movies like Martha Marcy May Marlene and Possessor earned both critical acclaim and award nominations.

A rising star, 2023 represented a significant year in Abbott’s career. His notable performances include work in the above-mentioned Poor Things and a much-lauded role alongside Tom Holland in the Apple miniseries The Crowded Room.