It’s hard to imagine that what began with a gun-slinging vampire franchise in 2003 is now heading into production on its fifth installment. Nevertheless, Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment just announced the start of filming, andKate BeckinsaleandTheo Jamesare officially back forUnderworld 5.
Production set up shop in Prague and will continue to film in and around the Czech capital over the course of 10 weeks. While Beckinsale and James return as Selene and her ally David, respectively, Tywin Lannister himself,Charles Dance, is also back to play vampire elder Thomas.
Elsewhere,Outlander’sTobias Menzieswill play “a formidable new Lycan leader,” whileSherlock’sLara Pulverwill play “a fiercely ambitious vampire.” Joining them areJames Faulkner(anotherGame of Thronesactor),Peter Andersson(The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo),Bradley James(A&E’sDamienseries),Daisy Head(Fallen), and newcomer actressClementine Nicholson.
Anna Foerster, who previously helmed episodes ofOutlanderandCriminal Minds, directsUnderworld 5from a screenplay byThe Last Witch HunterscribeCory Goodman. Foerster is no stranger to the world of major action blockbusters after her long-standing collaboration withRoland Emmerich, which saw her serve as director of photography on films likeWhite House DownandThe Day After Tomorrow.
Plot details (and the official title) forUnderworld 5are still being kept under wraps, but the story will reportedly focus a younger generation of vampires and werewolves locked in this supernatural war. As such, it wouldn’t be all too surprising if this film acted as a soft reboot to the franchise. Considering reports of anUnderworldTV series in development, it seems the studio is looking to further broaden the scope of this world to incorporate a larger audience.
