Steven C. Miller has directed a film with a concept that can only be described as absolutely awesome.
The movie, titled Werewolves and written by Matthew Kennedy, is now showing in theaters through Briarcliff Entertainment. It explores a world where the annual supermoon transforms anyone outside into massive, bloodthirsty werewolves that leave destruction in their wake.
Fortunately, Frank Grillo plays a formidable scientist who is not only close to discovering a cure but must also ensure his family’s safety during yet another supermoon. This action-packed throwback film is loaded with in-your-face werewolf carnage, explosions, big guns, and enough blood and guts to feel right at home in a double-feature setting at a drive-in theater.
Director Steven C. Miller Discusses Werewolves and His Vision
Miller, an experienced director with a track record of both action and horror films, has brought plenty of star power to his projects, including working with heavyweights like Sylvester Stallone and Nicolas Cage.
Miller shared insights into his approach to practical effects, how microbudget filmmaking shaped his problem-solving abilities, and his collaboration with Bruce Willis on some of his final roles.
This new movie has a wild, almost nostalgic vibe. When asked about the project, Miller explained:
“You’ve explained it correctly because I feel like the same thing. It was the most ’90s movie I could possibly make with action figures. That’s what I was going for.”
On Falling in Love with the Script
Miller described his initial excitement upon reading the Werewolves script for the first time:
“I fell in love with it instantly because I’ve been wanting to make a werewolf movie for a long time, and I’ve had several different scripts that I’ve gone through that didn’t get made. This one hit differently, and I think it was because of the amount of action involved. It felt like the right moment for something like this that I hadn’t seen.”
He continued, highlighting the visual and narrative approach that differentiates Werewolves from other werewolf stories:
“I’m a big slow-burn werewolf guy, but seeing the wolves all the time and letting them just be the movie, I don’t know that I’ve seen that in a while. It grabbed me right away.”
Inspiration Behind Werewolves
Miller also spoke about the inspirations he used for the film, citing a mix of 90s action and horror classics:
- The original Blade, noting its “insanely cool” action-horror vibe
- Resident Evil for its tense, atmospheric blend of thrills
- Dog Soldiers, one of Miller’s favorite werewolf movies, which shaped his approach
Miller said the Blade and Resident Evil inspiration gave Werewolves a distinct ’90s Dark Castle vibe.
Emphasizing Practical Effects
From the outset, Miller knew he wanted to lean into practical effects rather than relying solely on CGI.
“I want these werewolves to be practical effects,” Miller explained to the producers. “I’m an ’80s kid. I can’t come into this going full CGI. I’ve got to lean into practical.”
While Miller acknowledged CGI’s role as a complementary tool, his commitment to traditional techniques like animatronics and actors in full werewolf suits set a strong foundation for realism and physicality on-screen.
One particularly challenging sequence included werewolves breaking through a fence in a dramatic onslaught. Miller described the difficulty of managing the actors in seven full werewolf costumes under sweltering summer heat in Puerto Rico:
“These guys are seven feet tall in these suits, and the heads add another foot. We had to get them all in sync to smash through the fence in a way that didn’t feel awkward. That sequence took all night. It was a nightmare, but fun.”
Working with Frank Grillo
Frank Grillo, playing the scientist central to Werewolves, was a vital collaborator during production. Miller praised Grillo’s professionalism and passion for the project:
“Frank’s the man. I love Frank. We got along instantaneously. We connected on a lot of levels and talked about life, and then we asked ourselves, How are we going to make these werewolves cool?”
Miller lauded Grillo’s involvement, noting how his attention to detail and desire to elevate the film made him invaluable. Grillo was a collaborative force, ensuring the werewolves had the same “cool factor” as their on-screen protagonist.
Staying Efficient with Set Management
As a prolific filmmaker, Miller has a knack for efficiently running sets and balancing productivity with creativity. His philosophy revolves around maintaining an upbeat and energetic atmosphere:
“The energy you put off on set usually filters into the movie, and then into post-production, so if that energy is fun and cool and you’re having a good time, it really does filter into the movie.”
His approach ensures his films maintain a fast, kinetic rhythm while staying on schedule.
Leadership on Set
When asked how he maintains control over sets with alpha personalities like Sylvester Stallone and Dave Bautista, Miller emphasized preparation and confidence:
“Having an answer to every question is what it’s all about. If they have a question or are worried about something, the fact that I have an answer ready to go lets them know, Hey, this guy knows what he’s talking about.”
For Miller, the key is to make the actors feel safe, supported, and confident. That trust allows the collaborative effort of filmmaking to succeed.
From Microbudget to Big Budget: Lessons Learned
Miller’s first film was 2006’s Automaton Transfusion, which he made for just $15,000. This scrappy, hands-on experience taught him invaluable problem-solving skills that transitioned seamlessly into managing larger productions:
“The biggest lesson I take away is to keep going. Problem-solving is a huge thing, and the mindset of ‘I gotta get it done’ has carried over from those days into bigger sets.”
Future Projects and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Miller has several upcoming projects, including Under Fire, a “Bad Boys”-inspired action film starring Dylan Sprouse and Mason Gooding.
“It’s a fun movie with these two characters stuck in the desert against a sniper, and it’s just them trying to get out. It’s a lot of fun.”
Fans are also wondering if Werewolves could lead to a sequel. Miller teased that discussions are already in motion:
“They’re hoping this one hits so they can do it, but yeah, there are some great ideas swirling around for the next one.”
He even joked about an idea that fans might find wild—a Purge and Werewolves crossover with Frank Grillo:
“Can they meet in a cage match where one Frank Grillo wolfs out versus the other Frank Grillo? That would be fun.”
