Since the release of Twilight in 2005, the vampire has been the staple of movies, television, books, and many other forms of entertainment. However, it appears that that particular fad is coming to an end and is being replaced with something much more familiar to all of us: fairytales.
When focusing on popular culture from the last five years, it is clear that the vampire (and, by Twilight association, the werewolf) has been at the forefront of many different types of media. In literature, Stephanie Meyer’s four-part saga centered on a vampire-human-werewolf love triangle has led the pack, with the House of Night series also having a substantial fan base. In film and television, series like The Vampire Diaries and True Blood and films like the Twilight saga, Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant and Fright Night have allowed the vampire to become a modern cult phenomenon.
However, it seems that the age of the vampire is coming to an end this year. The last Twilight movie will be released in November of this year, and the vampire will lose its leader. If you are feeling concerned and overwhelmed, calm yourself, for a new genre is rising to the top of the pop culture food chain. The vampire coven is being overthrown by the new king: the fairytale.
The beginning of the reign of kings and princesses and knights began last year with the announcement of two modern adaptations of Snow White. Snow White and the Huntsman, with a release date of June 1st, 2012, and Mirror Mirror, with a release date of March 16th, 2012, show just how prominent the fairytale genre is becoming. The films feature well-known cast members such as Kristen Stewart and Julia Roberts who are bound to make for successful box office runs.
Television has also delved into the world of fairytales with two new series: Grimm and Once Upon A Time. The two shows spin together various familiar fairytales into weekly episodes that have become a huge hit for their television networks.
It is clear that the genre of fantasy, fables, and fairytales is becoming a regular occurrence in the world of pop culture, and it can only be expected to rise with the release of the modern Snow White films. With a bright and clear future ahead for fairytales, it is finally time to say goodbye to the sparkly vampires. You will be dearly missed.