Yeah, the ending of 'Underworld: Awakening' left many unsure about the future of the series... For instance, the fate of the character of Michael Corvin was inconclusive, and after all these years we have wondered if we would see Scott Speedman in the role again and if someday we would see the reunion between Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and her daughter Eve (India Eisley).
Although all this seems quite improbable, the fifth installment of the vampire and werewolf franchise promises to return to its origins. This new film will focus again on the eternal war between these two species, after a quarter that did not meet expectations at all. Despite continued rumors about her involvement in the project, Kate Beckinsale agreed to re-sheath the leather suit and repeated in 'Blood Wars' as the Selene warrior of death.
'Underworld' began its trajectory on the big screen in 2003, and soon became a phenomenon. For many, 'Underworld' or 'Blade' do justice to vampires and lycanthrope, unlike more sugary films like 'Twilight' or TV series like 'Vampire Diaries'. Kate Beckinsale has always been the soul of this franchise (although it did not appear in the prequel). That's why we're glad that she's still accepting to return to one of the roles that launched her into stardom.
In this special, we take a short tour of eight of the highlights of the saga 'Underworld'. Have you missed Selene all these years?
1 It's the first work by director Len Wiseman
Len Wiseman, whom by today, has forged a name in the genre of action and terror, had his first experience as a director with 'Underworld'. Released in 2003, the first part of the saga starring Kate Beckinsale was Wiseman's opportunity to demonstrate his skills after having participated in several Roland Emmerich films and directed numerous video clips.
Although not enjoyed by critics, 'Underworld' was a blockbuster and, over time, has become for many a cult movie. He also led the sequel, 'Underworld Evolution' and continued as a producer in the later installments of the saga.
2 Relationship on set
Kate Beckinsale, who plays Selene throughout the series, had an amorous relationship with Michael Sheen (Lucian) for eight years. Including recommending the actor for his role in 'Underworld'. However, during filming, Beckinsale started to fall in love with the director: Len Wiseman. She was then married to him until 2015, when they announced their divorce. However, she always maintained a good relationship with Sheen, remaining friends as he is the father of her children.
3 The Voice of Kevin Grevioux (Raze)
Kevin Grevioux plays Raze, important member of the clan of the werewolves, played for 'Underworld' and ' Underworld: Rise of the Lycans'. He was basically the right hand of Lucian, who was responsible for the dirty work. Many whom went to the movie thought his voice, always extremely serious, had been retouched in the post-production of the film. However, nothing is further from the truth.
Another piece of trivia about Grevioux , one that many people know, is that he co-wrote the screenplay for the first 'Underworld' with Len Wiseman. For this reason, in the rest of the films in the series, he appears credited as the creator of the characters, like Wiseman.
4 The daughter of Kate Beckinsale was in 'Underworld Evolution'
Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen had a daughter in early 1999: Lily Mo Sheen. With just 6 years old, she played a young version of Selene in several flashbacks of 'Underworld Evolution', sequel released in 2006. Selene, in his search for the truth, recalls moments of his childhood along with his family during the construction of which was the brother of Marcus prison: William. They even made a leather suit tailored, like that of his mother!
5 The Sex scene between Selene and Michael
In a first cut of the film, the sex scene between Scott Speedman (Michael) and Kate Beckinsale (Selene) was longer and erotic in content that would've been acceptable in the cinema.
Unfortunately for us, Kate Beckinsale demanded the deletion of any scene that show more than was called fore. However, Len Wiseman also included it on the DVD. Scott Speedman has admitted during several interviews that the shooting was pretty uncomfortable.
6 Rhona Mitra could've been Selene
Rhona Mitra was one of the candidates to play the protagonist in 'Underworld', as well as other actresses like Halle Berry and Milla Jovovich (which would also have its saga of success with 'Resident Evil'). The first of all draws attention because that Mitra would also participate in these films. In 'Underworld: Rise of the Lycans', the British singer gave life to Sonja.
This third part was a prequel. It told the story of Lucian (Michael Sheen), Viktor (Bill Nighy) and his daughter Sonja. In a world in which the lycans were slaves to the vampires, Lucian and Sonja maintained a secret love affair.
7 Scott Speedman
Scott Speedman plays Michael Corvin in the first two films of the series of vampires and werewolves. His relationship with Selene provided one of the cornerstones of the series, making Corvin one of the fan favourites from the series. Also, he was the first known hybrid of the two species, so we never know his true potential.
In 'Underworld: Awakening', Speedman rejected the opportunity to return and play the character, his brief showing in the film is due to archival footage and special effects, and his absence angered long term fans of the series. The producers teased that he would be making a return to the series, but in the end it was a lie, as once again, he only appears in 'Underworld: Blood Wars' in archival footage, and his role was taken by Trent Garrett. Although Garrett does a good job in the new film, its a bit of a shame. Speedman, sometimes you have to respect the roles that gave you fame.
8 Which is the film with the highest bodycount?
'Underworld has always been characterized by it's explicit violence. These films have never been shy at showing a little blood; Selene herself is an absolute killing machine. Have you ever actually wondered how many people (Monsters) the protagonist kills? In 'Awakening' it was around 70 werewolves and vampires.
And in the latest film, Selene has to undergo another transformation so she is more powerful so she can kill even more monsters this time...