Fast-rising distributor Anchor Bay Films has acquired all rights for English-speaking territories to The Howling: Reborn.

Inspired by Joe Dante’s seminal 1981 werewolf tale, the Moonstone Entertainment reboot blends action with romance and has been described by sources as Twilight with bite.

Joe Nimziki is directing from his screenplay and the project is currently in post-production.

“It is Joe Nimziki’s drive, creative vision and execution that has taken this franchise to the next level,” Moonstone CEO Etchie Stroh said. “Joe [has] worked very hard to make sure the film reaches an even wider demographic while preserving the original storyline.”

“Genre films have always been special at Anchor Bay,” the company’s executive vice-president of acquisitions and co-productions Kevin Kasha said. “Given our success with many of the classic franchises and their honoured remakes, The Howling: Reborn is the perfect addition to our family.”Kasha, Anchor Bay president Bill Clark and Richard Turner negotiated the deal with Stroh.

Anchor Bay’s upcoming releases include crime saga Kill The Irishman with Ray Stevenson, Tribeca entry Meet Monica Velour with Kim Cattrall and Toronto drama Beautiful Boy starring Michael Sheen and Maria Bello.