The Wolf Man saw its first theatrical film release in 1941, spawning several sequels and becoming the most famous and specific cinematic werewolf story (though its notable predecessors include The Werewolf of London from 1935). The Universal Pictures film starred Lon Chaney Jr. as the lycanthropic Larry Talbot, Claude Rains, Bela Lugosi, and Maria Ouspenskaya as the cryptic gypsy Maleva. The story of Talbot would be followed in four subsequent movies, involving the other Universal monsters and ranging from Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman to Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.
Most werewolf films are based on the mythological legend/folklore of individuals who are able to shapeshift into a wolf. These transformations are often brought about by the appearance of a full Moon, and are caused by a curse or being bitten or scratched by another werewolf.
The werewolves of more recent media have been adapted from their earlier predecessors, becoming vulnerable to silver bullets and retaining powers while in their human form.
The legendary creature has been referenced by the Muppets on multiple occasions.
References[]
- Reading a book about famous movie monsters in the December 16, 1982 edition of The Muppets comic strip, Fozzie Bear wonders whatever happened to Dracula, Frankenstein, and Wolfman. Kermit, who is busy paying bills, says he thinks they all got jobs with the phone company.
- The Dinosaurs episode "Little Boy Boo" spoofs The Wolf Man, with Robbie Sinclair turning into the Wereman and Ethyl Phillips taking on the Maria Ouspenskaya role.