Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Underworld Rise of the Lycans

Production

In September 2003, shortly after the release of Underworld (2003), production companies Screen Gems and Lakeshore planned to release a prequel as the third film following Underworld’s sequel, Underworld: Evolution (2006). Kate Beckinsale, who portrayed Selene in Underworld, expressed interest in reprising her role for the sequel and the prequel.

In December 2005, Underworld: Evolution director Len Wiseman explained that the Underworld franchise was originally conceived as a trilogy. Wiseman said, “We sort of mapped out an entire history and story… a massive collection of ideas and stories that we’re putting out at certain times.” Wiseman anticipated creating a third installment for the franchise based on the audiences’ reception of Underworld: Evolution, which would be released the following month.

In a June 2006 interview, Wiseman said, “The third film is going to be a prequel. It will be the origin story and we find out things we didn’t know about Lucian; he’ll have a much bigger part in it. It will be about the creation [of the races] and what started the war. It will be a period piece. The movie will also focus for the first time through the Lycans’ point of view.” The director also shared, “In terms of the writing, a lot of the writing has been done. We’ve been developing Underworld 3 for a while. I won’t be directing Underworld 3; I’m just going to be producing and writing.” When asked if Kate Beckinsale would reprise her role as Selene in the prequel, Wiseman said, “It will be in the time period before, but it will overlap into the creation of her as well. We’re in the process of seeing how far we go with that.” The following October, actor Michael Sheen, who portrays Lucian in the film series, expressed interest in being part of the prequel.

The Hollywood Reporter announced on October 26th, 2007 that the film will be written by Danny McBride and mark the directorial debut of Patrick Tatopoulos, who designed the creature effects for all three Underworld films. Len Wiseman will produce the film but will not write or direct, nor will Kate Beckinsale reprise her lead role of Selene. The film is to be a prequel set in the Dark Ages and will focus on the origins of the feud between the vampires and their slaves, the Lycan werewolves. The film will be shot in Auckland, New Zealand.

Cast

• Michael Sheen as Lucian (Enslaved as a baby, Lucian has only been able to imagine the full extent of his Lycan powers. In the evolution from werewolf to Lycan, Lucian feels the responsibility of the Lycan race resting on his shoulders. At the same time, his love for the vampire, Sonja, complicates his desire for freedom from the Vampires.)
• Rhona Mitra as Sonja (Sonja is the daughter of the powerful Vampire Elder, Viktor. Beautiful and brave, her nightly patrols defend the Coven from the hoards of ferocious werewolves. Despite her father’s hatred for the Lycan race, she has fallen in love with the Lycan slave, Lucian. She battles between the desire to fulfill the responsibilities that come with her lineage and her willful nature. Because of her love for Lucian, she is sympathetic to the enslaved Lycans’ plight.)
• Bill Nighy as Viktor (One of three ruling Vampire Elders, Viktor is a haughty, ostentatious Vampire overlord nearly 1,000 years old. Like most Vampires, he has a severe loathing for Lycans but also a fascination with their unique strengths. Through slavery and torture, he has created a small but mighty force of enslaved Lycans. Despite his best efforts to govern the Coven, the Council members have begun to question his leadership.)
• Steven Mackintosh as Andreas Tanis (Deceptive and conniving, Arnaud Tanis serves the Elders as advisor and historian of the Covens. His desire for power, wealth and status lead him to do nearly anything to stand in Viktor’s good favor. Often tasked with managing the strong-willed Sonja, he discovers the secrets held in the dark corridors beneath the castle.)
• Kevin Grevioux as Raze (Lucian discovers Raze’s amazing bravery and strength as he rescues him from near-certain death. A deep friendship grows between the two men. Raze sympathizes with the Lycan struggle for independence but doesn’t yet know how far he is willing to go to support Lucian.)
• Craig Parker as Sabas
• Kate Beckinsale as Selene (Beckinsale did not film new footage, a scene from Underworld was used to bookend the film. Beckinsale, however, provided a monologue for the beginning of the film.)
• Shane Brolly as Kraven (only a voice over of lines used in the first film.)