If the howling teenage girls at a screening of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" ruled the world, the brooding, pale presence of Robert Pattinson would be worth the price of admission alone.

Yet, "New Moon" stakes its claim to a broader audience (including men of all ages) with its menacing new coven of vampires, werewolves and souped-up CGI action.

"This movie is no chick flick," says B.C. actor Christopher Heyerdahl, who plays the Volturi vampire Marcus. "It's completely ramped-up from what we saw in 'Twilight.'"

Like Stephenie Meyer's 2006 book, "New Moon," this second entry into the phenom "Twilight" series delves into a darker, dangerous time in the life of teen heroine Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart).

Following Bella's ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen (Pattinson) and his vampire clan leave Forks, Washington. The move crushes Bella's heart. But, the alluring vampire wings off into the night to protect Bella from other dangers that lurk in his dark, mysterious world.

"The first book sets up all the characters and reveals this intimate discovery of a love affair between two very different people. It's like pairing a lion with a lamb," says Heyerdahl.

"New Moon's" introduction of the Volturi vampire coven and the wolf pack serves up more meat for audiences to dig into.

"This sequel takes us into the whole mythos of the vampire world and the mysteries of the werewolf. Life and death come upon us. These things alone crank up the stakes," says Heyerdahl.

"New Moon" stakes out bigger audiences

Co-star Bronson Pelletier could not agree more.

"Everybody loves a good romantic triangle. But, we get so much more here," says Pelletier, who portrays Jared, the joker of the wolf pack.

Putting his faith in director Chris Weitz ("The Golden Compass"), Pelletier says "New Moon's" intense CGI effects, heavy-duty action sequences and more evolved plot will please a broader demographic at the box office.

"Stephenie's books do tap into the teenage psyche. But, she and Chris have translated that into something that even guys will want to watch," says Pelletier.

The 22-year-old Canadian actor underwent a gruelling fitness regime to get his body into supernatural shape for "New Moon's" spectacular action sequences -- a sure draw for younger male audiences.

Lead by a trainer from the film "300," Pelletier and his wolf pack buddies worked out 1 to 1½ hours four to five days a week and followed a strict diet regime.

"It was insane," says Pelletier, who is best known for his role as Jack Sinclair in 2007's renegadepress.com.

"The first thing I did when we wrapped shooting was pig out on a big, juicy cheeseburger. But, it was all worth it."

Ditto for Heyerdahl.

Best know for his work on the television series "Sanctuary" (John Druitt, Bigfoot) and "Supernatural" (Alastair), the chance to co-star in this juggernaut vampire brand was something Heyerdahl could not refuse.

"If I didn't play Marcus my niece would never speak to me again," says the 6' 4" actor.

"At first glance, you think these books and films are for 13-year-old girls. It was great fun to examine the content here and be surprised by it," says Heyerdahl.

"Stephenie has created something that is no Nosferatu," says Heyerdahl. "These vampires are beautiful. You put them in the sunlight and they don't turn to ash. They twinkle like bloodless diamonds, so they are easy to fall in love with."

Whether audiences and critics fall for "New Moon" remains to be seen.

"Who knows how long this vampire fever will last? I'm betting it'll stay strong until 'Twilight's' last film instalment," says Heyerdahl. "All I know is this: guys won't need a girlfriend to see this movie."