The year 2012 was an important one for fans of The Twilight Saga. Not only was it the twentieth anniversary of the film’s premiere, but it was also the year that the final installment in the Twilight saga was released. While the world was anticipating the final chapter, the anticipation was more than enough to make fans suffer through one last harrowing ride with Bella and her pack of werewolves.
The year was capped off with the publication of Breaking Dawn, the fourteenth and final entry in the Twilight saga. This novel was more than just the culmination of Jacob Black’s journey to protect his kin from the vengeance of the Volturi. It was also the last glimpse into the Twilight world before it vanished from our screens and our bookshelves forever. And although the novel delivered on all accounts, it was clear that fans were more than a little broken by the time the credits rolled.
The fact that these events took place after the year 2011 raised many questions. Would there still be a demand for Twilight-related products? Would the film franchise live on in some form or fashion? Would Summit successfully navigate the increasingly turbulent waters of Hollywood? How would the cast of Twilightfare in the years to come? Could they successfully transition from acting to being on-camera hosts? Would they continue to work in the film industry or would they focus on being a more traditional couple? Could a successful TV show or film franchise based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling novels ever be established? Could a Stephenie Meyer-esque story of vampires and werewolves ever be told in film or TV?
While answering these questions may be a tall order, one thing is for sure – the future of the Twilight film franchise is just as uncertain as when the first installment premiered in 2002.
The Revival Of Vampires And Werewolves
Based on the years that have passed since the release of Breaking Dawn, it’s fair to say that fans of Twilight may need some convincing that the creatures which they love so dearly are still alive and well. After all, 2012 was a tumultuous year for the horror genre and the world of cinema in general. It started with the global blockbuster success of The Avengers, followed by the smaller-budgeted yet equally successful The Dark Knight Rises. In addition to these blockbuster hits, horror fans may have also been inclined to shrug off Twilight as a merely average entry in comparison.
The release of The Dark Knights was followed by Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. These films did their fair share of business but were ultimately viewed as costly flops by mainstream critics and fans. And let’s not forget about Prometheus, which despite critical accolades, was a cinematic train wreck which almost no one had the audacity to call a success.
Many fans of the franchise may have felt somewhat deflated; even those who felt that Twilight was the best of the four movies may have wondered if their favorite horror characters were truly as timeless as they seemed. And as a result, the thirst for true vampire and werewolf stories may have been temporarily satiated. It’s important to note here that this was not the case. Fans were simply waiting for the right story, the right concept, or the right blend of both.
The Rise Of TV And Streaming
The year 2011 marked an important turning point in the evolution of the film industry. The DVD boom of the early 2000s had given way to a new era of digital content, spearheaded by the popularization of online streaming services and platforms.
While theaters had adapted to the changing times by adding 4K UHD televisions and Imax screens, the traditional way of watching films had also changed. Thanks to companies like Netflix, which entered the market in March 2011, consumers had more options than ever before when it came to the television shows and films they wanted to see. Before 2011, if a movie was released in theaters it was essentially a given that everyone would go see it. Thanks to the rising popularity of Netflix and the like, this is no longer the case. People are now more likely to wait until a film is available for streaming on demand before deciding whether or not to see it in the first place.
The Appeal Of The Saga
Why did Twilight resonate with audiences in such a profound way? The simple answer is that the saga is just plain entertaining. The characters are likeable, the world is beautifully realized, and the story arcs are always interesting. And let’s face facts here: we all love a good love triangle. It’s easy to root for the underdog, and it’s always a pleasure to see the romance plotline where the couple at the center of it all turns out to be right about each other all along. Even when things seem hopeless, it’s still satisfying to see things work out in the end.
While it’s true that the series has its fair share of flaws (mostly in the execution and storytelling departments, but there are some good ones too), it’s still a guilty pleasure of mine, and I’m sure that’s the case for many others as well. It may not be for everyone, and that’s completely okay. It’s a matter of finding your match; when you do, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
It’s been a long time coming, but it seems like fans of The Twilight Saga may finally be starting to believe that their favorite vampire and werewolf characters are as immortal as they seem. After all, the last four films have collectively earned over $1 billion worldwide, proving that the series still has plenty of life in it yet. And as long as there are still lucrative book deals to be had, I’m sure we’ll continue to see at least one more installment in the saga. Who knows? Maybe even a theatrical release as well.