Vampires have long captured the imagination of cultures worldwide, with their portrayal deeply embedded in folklore, novels, films, and television series. These mythical creatures are traditionally known to drink blood, sleep in coffins, shun garlic and crucifixes, and are vulnerable to wooden stakes through the heart. Most notably, they are depicted as creatures of the night that cannot withstand daylight. However, this has not always been the case.
Throughout history, some narratives have introduced a variant of vampires capable of existing in the sunlight, known as daywalkers. This concept is both a new and ancient addition to vampire lore, showcasing the versatility of these beings as narrative tools. With the upcoming release of “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires” on July 10 on Disney Channel and available the next day on Disney+, it is an opportune moment to explore how vampire tropes have evolved.
The Origins of Nightwalkers
The vampire tradition is rich and varied, with roots tracing back to folklore and a longstanding association with darkness and night. For instance, in Chinese mythology, it was believed that placing a bag of rice outside one”s home would distract a vampire, causing it to count each grain obsessively, thereby failing to notice the rising sun, as explained by Laura Westengard, a professor of Gothic literature at the New York City College of Technology, CUNY.
Interestingly, many of the vampires featured in the 19th-century European literary wave, such as those in “The Vampire” by John Polidori (1819), “Carmilla” by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1872), and Bram Stoker“s “Dracula” (1897), were portrayed as weakened by sunlight rather than instantly incinerated. According to Westengard, these creatures preferred to sleep during the day but did not perish in sunlight.
A pivotal moment in vampire storytelling occurred with the 1922 silent film “Nosferatu,” directed by F. W. Murnau, which drew heavily from “Dracula” but introduced a significant twist: the malevolent Count Orlok ultimately meets his end when caught in the sunrise, disappearing in flames. This moment marked a shift in the folklore surrounding vampires, becoming a recurring theme in later adaptations.
The Rise of Daywalkers
By the late 1990s, the notion that vampires are vulnerable to sunlight had become so entrenched in popular culture that it was humorously referenced in a bold advertising campaign by Ray-Ban. The campaign featured stylish vampires protected by the brand”s products. This cliché has compelled writers to navigate and reinterpret the traditional vampire lore within their narratives. For example, Stephanie Meyer, the author of “Twilight,” attributed her vampires” preference for darkness to their need to conceal their shimmering skin from sunlight.
Yet, the enduring appeal of vampire stories lies in their capacity for reinvention. Some narratives embrace the idea of vampires who can thrive in daylight. A notable instance is the character Blade, who emerged as a Marvel superhero in the 1970s. Blade occupies a unique space between human and vampire, as his mother was bitten by a vampire while pregnant, granting him immunity to their bite and endowing him with exceptional abilities as a vampire hunter. The film adaptation amplifies his powers and introduces him as the “Daywalker,” adding a layer of mystique to his character.
In the film, Blade confronts a divided vampire society, facing off against pureblood vampires and those who were once human. The climax involves a plot to extract Blade”s blood for a ritual invoking an ancient god, making Blade”s dual existence between two worlds a compelling narrative arc.
Reimagining the Daywalker Trope
The upcoming “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires” project also explores the daywalker theme. This film, part of a Disney Channel franchise centered on conflict resolution and overcoming differences, will introduce a new twist on the traditional vampire narrative.
According to director Paul Hoen, the story revolves around opposing forces learning from each other, featuring daywalkers who thrive in the sun and vampires who wield power over the wind. The daywalkers reside in a community that reveres sunlight, living in a village characterized by glass structures and light-filled ponds. Unlike conventional vampire tales, the film avoids themes of immortality and blood consumption, instead focusing on both groups relying on the same “blood fruit.”
Through this fresh perspective, “Zombies 4” aims to maintain the franchise”s core message of understanding and cooperation among different communities.
Despite these modern interpretations, the classic depiction of vampires remains potent in popular culture. For instance, the film “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, unfolds over 24 hours as twin brothers face off against a vampiric antagonist named Remmick, who emerges from the darkness of the Mississippi Delta night. The challenge for the protagonists is merely to survive until dawn.
Ultimately, Westengard asserts that there is no singular true version of a vampire, highlighting the adaptability of these figures to reflect societal anxieties and desires. Vampires have evolved into charismatic symbols that can fulfill various narrative needs, becoming a reflection of human existence itself.
