Universal Studios announced the remake of The Wolf Man with actor Benicio del Toro in the lead role. Screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker was attached to the screenplay, developing the original film's story to include additional characters as well as plot points that would take advantage of modern visual effects. In February 2007, director Mark Romanek was attached to helm The Wolf Man. Rick Baker also signed on to do the make-up effects of the Wolf Man.[5] The film was scheduled for a November 12, 2008 release, before being pushed back to early 2009 in September 2007.

In January 2008, Romanek left the project because of "creative differences". Brett Ratner emerged as a frontrunner to replace Romanek, but the studio also met with Frank Darabont, James Mangold and Joe Johnston. They were also interested in Bill Condon, and Martin Campbell was interested. Johnston was hired to direct on February 3, 2008, and the film's shooting schedule and budget remained as intended. Johnston hired David Self to rewrite the script.[3] The film will cost US$85 million to make, and shooting will be conducted in the United Kingdom. Shooting began in March 2008.