Exclusive: Julia Garner Opens Up About The Wolfman, Her Hatred of Rats, and Top 4 Scary Films

Award-winning actress Julia Garner, who blew everyone’s minds in Ozark and Inventing Anna, is at it again in the highly eagerly awaited horror film The Wolfman. Co-written and directed by Lee Whannell, it co-stars Christopher Abbott in a truly terrifying take on transformation and survival in the worst of eventualities. Recently, Garner opened up about her experience with the film, her personal phobias, and her all-time favorite horror films.

On Emotional Evolution and Family Dynamics in The Wolfman

Discussing her character Charlotte, Garner reflected on the emotional journey she undertook in the film. “Chris [Christopher Abbott] had a physical transformation, but mine was more emotional,” she said. “In the beginning, Charlotte wasn’t confident in herself—whether as a mother, a professional, or even just as a person. By the end, through extreme circumstances, she really came full circle and took ownership of her life.”

Garner revealed that she approached Charlotte’s evolution as a progression through the stages of grief, compacted into a single, harrowing night. The layered and nuanced portrayal demanded immense emotional depth, but Garner credited the collaborative environment with co-stars Abbott and Matilda Firth for bringing the family dynamic to life. “We talked a lot about the history of the characters’ relationships,” she shared. “Especially Lee [Whannell], Chris, and I—we dove into how Charlotte and her husband’s marriage had reached the point where we find it in the film.”

Julia vs. Rats: Her Phobia and Horror’s Mental Toll

When asked about personal phobias, Garner was candid: “I don’t like rats. If there were a ‘Ratman’ movie, I’d definitely not sign up for that project!” While she may not have a laundry list of fears, the intensity of The Wolfman kept her on edge. “I was in a state of pure panic for three months straight,” she admitted, laughing. “Just mentally on high alert every day—it wasn’t relaxing at all!”

Mount Rushmore of Horror Films

Garner is a self-proclaimed lover of psychological horror and shared her top four films of all time—her “Mount Rushmore of Horror.” Topping the list is Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. “It’s a classic. No contest,” she said. Coming in close behind is Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby. “It’s terrifying and brilliant. It should be number one, but I’ll give The Shining the edge.”

For her third pick, Garner named Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? a psychological thriller she described as “horrifying in its own weird way.” Rounding out her top four is Ari Aster’s Hereditary. “It’s just so unsettling, and I love the depth it brings to horror.”

Interestingly, Garner initially included Perfect Blue, the psychological anime thriller by Satoshi Kon, in her list. However, she decided to remove it, despite calling it “one of my favorite movies,” to make room for her ultimate picks. “I could give you a top ten, honestly,” she joked.

Balancing Horror and Humanity

While The Wolfman delves deep into supernatural terror, Garner emphasizes that it’s also a story about humanity under duress. “Extreme circumstances push people to their limits, and that’s what makes horror so compelling,” she said. “It’s about the choices we make when everything is on the line.”

As The Wolfman gears up for release, fans can expect another transformative performance from Julia Garner. Whether she’s battling inner demons or navigating the horrors of the unknown, one thing is certain: Garner continues to solidify her status as one of the most versatile and fearless actresses of her generation.

Watch the full Julia Garner interview below!