Stephen McHattie is no stranger to off-beat films – the oft-used character actor has starred in plenty of horror, sci-fi, and epic titles, including the Canadian zombie pic Pontypool and the overblown actioner Shoot ‘Em Up. The man continues adding bizarre selections to his resume with his next project, a lycanthrope thriller entitled Wolves. [Variety]
The directorial debut from writer David Hayter (Watchmen, which McHattie appeared in as Hollis Mason) follows Cayden Richards, a normal teen who wakes one night to find his parents murdered and his body changing into something inhuman. Determined to find out what is happening to him, his quest leads him to the isolated town of Lupine Ridge, where two clans of wolves are on the brink of war. In the lead roles are Jason Till as Cayden and Jason Momoa as a town leader, while McHattie will portray John Tolleson, a farmer committed to protecting the human citizens of Lupine Ridge.
Shooting on Wolves begins Thursday near Toronto, but Hayter already revealed some details on the project, which he hopes will become launching pad for an original franchise that “avoids the cliches associated with werewolf films.” From his description, the first-time director will take a more realistic approach to the look of the monsters – he’s currently working with Igor Studios’ Dave Elsey, who helped design the Beast creature costumes for X-Men: First Class. In other words, expect to see plenty of natural fangs, fur, and teeth.
No release date is set for Wolves, but Hayter expressed hopes to present a trailer at next year’s Comic-Con.
What are your thoughts on McHattie’s casting? Do you think Wolves sounds like a departure from most werewolf films?