In the currently popular theme of franchises releasing new films, the vampiric series Underworld is soon to see film number 5 with Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment announcing that Underworld: Next Generation has begun production. Kate Beckinsale is back in the lead role of Selene and Theo James returns as her ally David. The principle photography is now underway with filming beginning in Prague.
Having hit the big screen in 2003 the franchise has inspired three sequels including Underworld: Evolution (2006), Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) and Underworld: Awakening (2012). The Underworld franchise charts the complicated journey of Selene, a vampire warrior who fights in the war between vampires and a werewolf breed known as Lycans. That is until she meets human Michael and secrets come to the surface that need to be solved to unlock the hidden histories of their bloodlines and potentially save themselves and those around them. The third film is an origins story (And still better than Pan) with the fourth film seeing Selene lead a battle against humankind.
The latest instalment, currently titled Underworld: Next Generation brings in director Anna Foerster known for work on Criminal Minds and as director of photography on 2012 (2009), 10,000BC (2008) amongst others. She is currently on board to direct Source Code 2. Priest and The Last Witch Hunter writer Corey Goodman are set to pen the screenplay as well as working on the rumoured Robin Hood re-imagining Hood. The previous writer Danny McBride is still involved in character development as are Kevin Grevioux and Len Wiseman.
Whilst the plot is currently unknown, there have previously been rumors that David will be the lead rather than Selene and Underworld: Next Generation will focus on the vampire’s story.
However with Beckinsale now attached to the film have the plans changed? With the title of Next Generation, it can be assumed that the mantle will soon be passed for the franchise to continue. Given the lack of success of the franchise’s Beckinsale-less film Rise of the Lycans, this may have been a wise move on the part of the studio. Fans of the franchise will be eagerly awaiting the principle photography to be leaked, which it is sure to be. Lycan bless the internet.
Underworld: Next Generation is set to come into a cinema near you in October 2016.
