Calliope in Outer Space

Here it is folks.

We are wrapping up 2008 and it is time for reflection and looking forward to what is to come.

With TRUE BLOOD and TWILIGHT burning up the tube and the silver screen respectively, 2008 was definitely the Year of the Vampire. Sookie and Bella captured our imaginations and Bill and Edward stole our hearts.

With 2009 rapidly approaching, I would like to make a prediction (and/or state the obvious for those who are in the know):  2009 is going to be the Year of the Wolf.

UNDERWORLD:  RISE OF THE LYCANS

Beginning with UNDERWORLD:  RISE OF THE LYCANS which marks the third in the trilogy of films (releasing January 23, 2009) which – according to IMDB – is the prequel story that traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires known as Death Dealers and their onetime slaves, the Lycans.  Set in the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian (played by Michael Sheen) emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor (Bill Nighy), the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them.

And no, it is not a comedy.

X-MEN ORIGINS:  WOLVERINE

But that is only the beginning…  Speaking of origins, the next wolfy flick to hit theatres in ’09 is X-MEN ORIGINS:  WOLVERINE starring People Magazine’s 2008 Sexiest Man Alive, Hugh Jackman roaring into theatres on May 1, 2009.  Also starring Liev Schreiber as the man who will be Sabertooth, WOLVERINE chronicles the popular Marvel hero’s origins and training in the Weapon X program.

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine

And this just in – the latest trailer to hit the internet.  This is what we previewed at Comic-Con in San Diego in July when Mr. Jackman himself made a guest appearance:

Grrrr!!!

THE WOLF MAN

And that brings us to the classic Wolf Man story with THE WOLF MAN starring the wolf-tastic Benicio Del Toro.

Benicio Del Toro is The Wolf Man

Opening November 6, 2009, IMDB has posted the following synopsis for the film: “Lawrence Talbot (Del Toro), a haunted nobleman, is lured back to his family estate after his brother vanishes. Reunited with his estranged father (Anthony Hopkins), Talbot sets out to find his brother… and discovers a horrifying destiny for himself….”

Del Toro after Rick Baker makeup magic!

“Talbot’s childhood ended the night his mother died. After he left the sleepy Victorian hamlet of Blackmoor, he spent decades recovering and trying to forget. But when his brother’s fiancée, Gwen Conliffe (Emily Blunt), tracks him down to help find her missing love, Talbot returns home to join the search. He learns that something with brute strength and insatiable bloodlust has been killing the villagers, and that a suspicious Scotland Yard inspector named Aberline has come to investigate.”  Looks classically SCARY!!

NEW MOON

And last, but certainly not least, is NEW MOON – the much anticipated follow-up story to this year’s surprise hit TWILIGHT based on the popular series by Stephenie Meyer.  For fans of the series, NEW MOON marks the birth of what would forever be known as TEAM JACOB.

In theatres on November 20, IMDB has the following synopsis for NEW MOON (now to be directed by Chris Weitz ):

“After Bella (Stewart) recovers from the vampire attack that almost claimed her life, she looks to celebrate her birthday with Edward (Pattinson) and his family. However, a minor accident during the festivities results in Bella’s blood being shed, a sight that proves too intense for the Cullens, who decide to leave the town of Forks, Washington for Bella and Edward’s sake. Initially heartbroken, Bella finds a form of comfort in reckless living, as well as an even-closer friendship with Jacob Black. Danger in different forms awaits …

Interestingly, in the TWILIGHT series, Jacob Black is part of the Quileute Indian Tribe which exists today in the Pacific Northwest…and legendarily believe that they are descendants of WOLVES!  Check out more information here:  Quileute Indian Tribe History.

* * *

Oh yes, it is time to ring in the New Year and bring on the wolves!!

~Calliope

(still faithfully on Team Edward)

~ by Calliope on December 16, 2008.

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Tags: 2009, anthony hopkins, benicio del toro, hugh jackman, jacob black, movies, new moon, Stephenie Meyer, the wolf man, twilight, underworld, Wolverine, year of the wolf