The future of the Underworld franchise after Blood Wars remains uncertain, with no concrete plans currently in place for a sixth installment. While the studio hasn’t explicitly ruled out the possibility, factors such as the critical reception of Blood Wars and Kate Beckinsale’s evolving career raise questions about whether fans will ever see Selene back on the big screen, or if the series will re-emerge in a new format.
The Current Status: A Franchise in Limbo
After five films, the Underworld franchise, known for its stylish gothic action and intricate lore surrounding vampires and Lycans, finds itself in a state of flux. Underworld: Blood Wars, released in 2016, received mixed reviews, leaving its future hanging in the balance. While box office returns were decent, they didn’t necessarily warrant an immediate green light for another sequel.
Kate Beckinsale’s Position
A significant factor influencing the potential for another film is Kate Beckinsale’s involvement. She is, without a doubt, synonymous with Selene, the franchise’s protagonist. While Beckinsale has expressed affection for the character and the Underworld world, her recent acting choices suggest a shift towards different kinds of roles. Her commitment to a future film would likely be crucial for its success, especially in the eyes of longtime fans. Without her, the franchise might need a significant reboot or re-imagining, potentially alienating the existing audience.
Studio Perspectives and Potential Directions
Sony Pictures, the studio behind Underworld, is likely assessing the franchise’s long-term viability. They might be considering alternative avenues to keep the property alive, such as a television series, animated projects, or even a complete reboot with a new cast and storyline. The increasing popularity of streaming platforms provides a fertile ground for exploring these possibilities. A series could delve deeper into the complex lore, explore different factions within the vampire and Lycan societies, and introduce new characters, expanding the Underworld universe beyond the confines of a feature film.
Analyzing the Factors: What Could Influence a New Film?
Several factors could influence the studio’s decision to revive the Underworld franchise. These include:
- Fan Demand: A strong and vocal fan base can often sway studio decisions. If online petitions and social media campaigns demonstrate substantial interest in a new film, Sony Pictures might be more inclined to consider it.
- Market Trends: The popularity of supernatural action franchises can fluctuate. If vampire and werewolf stories experience a resurgence in popularity, the Underworld franchise might become more attractive to investors.
- New Creative Ideas: A compelling new script or a unique vision for the franchise could reignite interest within the studio. This could involve introducing new characters, exploring different aspects of the Underworld mythology, or even taking the story in a completely unexpected direction.
- Budget Considerations: The financial success of Blood Wars likely played a role in the subsequent silence regarding further sequels. If a future film is to be made, it would likely need to be produced at a reasonable budget to ensure profitability.
Exploring Alternative Futures: Beyond Film
Even if another direct sequel is not in the cards, the Underworld universe has potential for exploration in other media.
Television Series Potential
A television series format could allow for a more in-depth exploration of the complex lore and characters within the Underworld universe. Each season could focus on different factions, historical events, or even new locations within the vampire and Lycan world. This format would provide ample opportunity to develop compelling characters and storylines beyond what can be achieved in a two-hour film.
Animated Adaptations
Animated adaptations could be a way to explore the Underworld mythology in a visually distinct and potentially more expansive way. Animation would allow for greater creative freedom in terms of visual effects and world-building, potentially appealing to a broader audience.
Reboots and Re-Imaginings
While controversial, a complete reboot with a new cast and storyline is always a possibility. This would allow the studio to modernize the franchise, potentially attracting a new generation of fans while still retaining the core elements that made Underworld popular in the first place. A successful reboot would, however, require careful consideration of what made the original films appealing and a clear vision for the future of the franchise.
Underworld After Blood Wars: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions that address the future of the Underworld franchise:
FAQ 1: Has Kate Beckinsale officially retired from the role of Selene?
Kate Beckinsale has never officially retired from the role of Selene. She has expressed openness to returning if the right script and circumstances align. However, her recent film choices suggest she’s exploring other roles and genres, making a future Underworld film with her involvement less certain.
FAQ 2: Was Blood Wars intended to be the final Underworld film?
No, Blood Wars was not explicitly intended to be the final Underworld film. While it concluded some storylines, it also left the door open for future installments, with Selene’s character arc still potentially having further development.
FAQ 3: Are there any rumors of a new Underworld project in development?
There are no confirmed reports of a new Underworld project currently in active development. However, rumors and speculative articles occasionally surface online, fueled by fan interest and the franchise’s established fanbase. These rumors should be treated with caution until officially confirmed by Sony Pictures or individuals directly involved in the franchise.
FAQ 4: Could Theo James return as David in a future project?
Theo James’s return is possible, though dependent on the direction the franchise takes. David’s character was positioned to become a key figure in the vampire world, making him a viable character for future storylines, whether in film or a television series.
FAQ 5: What are the chances of an Underworld reboot?
The chances of a reboot are always present, particularly if the studio decides to refresh the franchise for a new generation. A reboot could involve recasting the roles, reimagining the storyline, and updating the visual style to appeal to modern audiences.
FAQ 6: Would a prequel be a viable option for a future Underworld project?
A prequel exploring the origins of the vampire-Lycan war or the rise of key characters like Viktor could be a viable option. This would allow the franchise to delve deeper into its lore and explore previously unseen aspects of the Underworld universe.
FAQ 7: What is the most significant hurdle for a new Underworld movie to overcome?
One of the most significant hurdles is the mixed reception to Blood Wars. To justify another film, the studio would need a compelling script and a clear vision for the future of the franchise that addresses the criticisms of the previous installment. Budget constraints also play a pivotal role.
FAQ 8: If a new movie happens, what should it focus on?
A new movie should ideally focus on expanding the Underworld universe, introducing new factions, and exploring the consequences of Selene’s actions in Blood Wars. It should also address lingering questions about the power dynamics between vampires and Lycans and explore the origins of the virus.
FAQ 9: Could the Underworld storyline crossover with another franchise?
While unlikely due to licensing complexities, a crossover with another supernatural franchise, like Blade, is a popular fan theory. However, the legal and logistical challenges of such a crossover make it a remote possibility.
FAQ 10: How can fans voice their desire for another Underworld film?
Fans can voice their desire for another Underworld film through social media campaigns, online petitions, and engaging with Sony Pictures’ official accounts. Demonstrating strong and consistent interest can sometimes influence studio decisions.
FAQ 11: Are there any official Underworld comics or novels that expand the lore?
Yes, there are official Underworld comics and novels that expand upon the lore and characters introduced in the films. These provide further insights into the Underworld universe and can offer fans a deeper understanding of its complex mythology.
FAQ 12: How does the success of other vampire-themed media affect Underworld’s potential future?
The success of other vampire-themed media, such as television series and films, can indirectly influence Underworld‘s potential future. If the vampire genre experiences a resurgence in popularity, it could make the Underworld franchise more appealing to studios and investors.
In conclusion, while the future of the Underworld franchise after Blood Wars remains uncertain, the possibility of another film or a different form of continuation is not entirely off the table. Factors such as fan demand, Kate Beckinsale’s involvement, and the overall popularity of the vampire genre will all play a role in determining whether we’ll see more of Selene and the world of vampires and Lycans in the years to come. The studio likely weighs its options carefully, considering a reboot, prequel, or even a television series to revitalize this enduring gothic saga.