The Thrilling Journey Behind Wolf Like Me Season 2: An Exclusive Insight from Creator Abe Forsythe

Summary

Wolf Like Me is a genre-blending show that explores the complexities of relationships while incorporating elements of fantasy storytelling.

Abe Forsythe, the show's creator and director, utilizes his personal experiences to intricately shape a distinctive and deeply evocative series.

As the second season unfolds, the narrative delves into the intricate hurdles that Mary and Gary encounter as they navigate through Mary's pregnancy and confront hidden truths from her past.

Wolf Like Me is a captivating fusion of genre storytelling and a profound exploration of the highs and lows of interpersonal connections. Starring Josh Gad as Gary, a previously single father, and Isla Fisher as Mary, a werewolf, the show chronicles their determined efforts to sustain their relationship, despite numerous obstacles that could potentially lead to its dissolution. Following its initial season, which was hailed as one of the top fantasy series of 2022, Wolf Like Me returns for a second installment.

What sets Wolf Like Me apart is that it is a rare gem, created, written, and directed solely by Abe Forsythe. Forsythe, renowned for his work on the acclaimed 2019 zombie film Little Monsters, draws upon his own personal experiences to deliver a series that is both emotionally poignant and a distinctive addition to the ever-expanding realm of fantasy series.

Abe Forsythe On Wolf Like Me Season 2

Screen Rant: Could you please explain your process of incorporating the werewolf's perspective into the portrayal of relationships? Do you prioritize the exploration of relationship dynamics and then find a way to integrate the werewolf, or do you sometimes conceive of genre-specific instances that require thematic development?

Abe Forsythe considers himself fortunate to have come up with this idea at just the right time in his life, as he was dealing with similar issues as the characters. The metaphor of hiding one's true self and bringing someone new into their life while having a child remained relevant throughout season one. In season two, the focus shifted to Mary's concerns about what she was carrying inside of her - a baby or a wolf. The unknown of her situation, how she will handle becoming a mother, and raising a wolf, all continue to be relevant. Forsythe feels lucky that the idea came to him and grateful to be able to continue it.

If the first season resonated with you personally, do you find that in season two, the story takes on a life of its own and you are compelled to follow its direction? Can you still maintain its relevance to your own life?

Abe Forsythe: Certainly. The narrative guides me towards its necessary path, however, I still incorporate aspects of myself and my past experiences through the various characters. I've dedicated over three years of continuous work on the show. Season one concluded and seamlessly led into season two. This would not have been possible if I couldn't infuse my own life experiences into it.

When the show ceased to be interesting for me is when I no longer had anything to contribute through these characters. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have come up with the initial idea and to have had the opportunity to continue. It strangely reflects aspects of my own life. I am uncertain whether this is because I am constantly searching for material and therefore shaping my life accordingly, or if I am simply lucky.

I had a conversation with the heads of Odd Studios, who expressed their gratitude for the amazing opportunities you provided them to showcase their skills with the werewolf. Was this something you had planned from the early days of season one?

Abe Forsythe: In season one, our goal was to keep the appearance of the werewolf a surprise until the very end. This was a deliberate creative choice, and I wanted the audience to almost forget that they were watching a show with a werewolf, until the werewolf finally made its appearance.

For season two, it was important to us to showcase the full transformation. We wanted to create a visually stunning American Werewolf in London-style transformation. The Odd guys, who specialize in prosthetic effects, were thrilled to be able to bring this vision to life. It was a moment of pure excitement and satisfaction for all of us to witness such an incredible gag, particularly the ambulance scene.

I have collaborated with them on multiple occasions. They were involved in the production of my zombie film, Little Monsters. What I appreciate most about working with Adam, Damian, and their entire team is that I don't impose my vision on them; instead, I allow them the freedom to explore their creative desires within the specific genre. This approach resulted in an impressive variety of zombies with comedic elements in Little Monsters, which were ideas they had always wished to implement.

The same creative dynamic occurred during the making of Wolf Like Me. In the first season, I expressed my desire to include a werewolf character. The only specifications I provided were that the werewolf should have four legs and be portrayed as a feminine redhead. Beyond these parameters, everything brought forth has been entirely their imaginative contributions.

This season, Josh Gad and Isla Fisher have delivered outstanding performances. As the director, how does your role evolve when working on a second season where the cast and crew are more familiar with the project? Does it involve less focus on performances and more on other aspects?

Abe Forsythe's approach to season two of the show was to take it to the next level. This meant ensuring that everyone involved was on the same page tonally. Having worked with Josh, Isla, and Ariel in the first season, Forsythe focused on highlighting their strengths and pushing them further than ever before. Both actors rose to the challenge, especially Isla who had to tackle a difficult journey in the last episode. Forsythe found great satisfaction in being able to push them and achieve the desired outcome.

How does the challenge of introducing Anton and other elements this season impact Mary and Gary's relationship? How do you ensure that they both face equal levels of misery and difficulty throughout the season?

Abe Forsythe: Throughout this season, it is crucial for me to focus on the journey that Mary and Gary experience. They are faced with incredibly tough situations right from the start, and both of them have opportunities to step away. They even provide each other with the chance to do so. In episode three, Mary directly offers Gary this opportunity. What intrigues me the most is seeing characters confront intense conflicts and actively choose to stay together. It becomes undeniable that these two were destined for one another.

Another significant aspect for me was the concept of the universe playing a role in bringing them together - and conversely, dismantling that notion. Throughout this season, the universe appears to be intentionally pulling them apart, but is that truly its ultimate intention? Perhaps it is merely testing them. Every relationship undergoes its own set of challenges, influencing and revealing the true character of individuals based on the decisions they make in such moments. My sincere hope is that by the end of this season, their bond as a group will have grown even stronger.

Are there any aspects of season two that you take particular pride in now that it is completed and about to be released?

Abe Forsythe expresses his pride in the collaborative effort of the cast and crew in creating Wolf Like Me. When fans express their love for the show and reveal their anticipation for the second season, he feels even more proud. He specifically tailored the second season to cater to the audience that was hooked on the first season, and he cannot contain his excitement. Abe eagerly awaits the audience's reaction to the shocking and surprising moments throughout the season. The humorous shock at the end of episode four, which he came up with, particularly tickles him. He cannot wait for people to witness it and wishes he could personally observe their reactions in their living rooms.

About Wolf Like Me Season 2

Coming soon: other interviews for season 2 of Wolf Like Me.

VFX team members Adam Johansen & Damian Martin

Music supervisor Andrew Kotatko

Executive producer Jodi Matterson

Wolf Like Me season 2 drops on Peacock on October 19th.