‘Underworld: Next Generation’ Brings Kate Beckinsale Up Against ‘Game of Thrones’ Heavyweights

This article may contain spoilers for Underworld: Next Generation.

Underworld 5, or more aptly titled Underworld: Next Generation, is underway with filming set to begin in Prague, which will comprise the bulk of the film’s production schedule with a 10 week stay in the Czech capital. One just couldn’t have an Underworld film without the fierce vampire heroine, Selene, played by Kate Beckinsale; so, of course the actress is returning in Underworld 5, but there is much more to look forward to aside from Beckinsale’s reprisal.

Underworld: Awakening Introduced Theo James

In 2012, the third sequel to the $500 million Underworld franchise was introduced, bringing a new threat to be faced by both lycans and vampires: mankind. Along with creating uneasy alliances and revitalizing the Underworld franchise, Underworld: Awakening also introduced the character of David, played by Theo James, reported Entertainment Weekly.

Events have proven the existence of immortals to mankind and — fearing the threat that the vampire and lycan species represents — mankind begins to eradicate the immortals. Selene (Beckinsale) leads the war against man, blurring the lines of heroes and villains once again. Alliances prove crucial in Underworld: Awakening and Selene soon finds that she’s not quite as alone as she has assumed.

David proves himself worthy as an ally to Beckinsale’s character and it seems James’ character has also proved likable to Underworld audiences, because Theo has been brought back for the fifth Underworld installment. While plot details are still largely unknown for Underworld: Next Generation, it is confirmed Theo will reprise his role as David, bringing yet another familiar face back to the franchise.

Underworld: Next Generation Will Bring In Fresh Blood From Game Of Thrones And Outlander

Underworld fans will also find something familiar in the new faces coming to the franchise in Underworld: Next Generation. The basic plot being whispered about asserts that the fifth Underworld saga will introduce younger generations of vampires and lycans with Tobias Menzies of Outlander set to play the youthful, skilled leader of the lycans.

Opposing the lycans, Sherlock’s Lara Pulver will play a “fiercely ambitious vampire,” which seems to imply some great conflict between the two immortal species that will draw even the leaders together in fierce battle.

It seems as though the executive producers of Underworld: Next Generation are eager to return to the highly-successful themes of the first Underworld film, while also trying to draw in younger fans in the hopes of either rebooting the film franchise or bringing a television adaptation into play. It’s not easy to draw in younger fans, while also appealing to loyal existing audiences, but it seems Kate Beckinsale is capable of appealing to one and all.

Speaking of drawing in fans, both old and new, it has also been revealed this may be Beckinsale’s last film, which may mean Selene may meet a particularly gruesome death. If rumors that Scott Speedman is also returning, it may be that Underworld 5 will bring events full circle with Selene and Micheal Corvin finding a chance to get away from the conflict; but, knowing the darkness of the Underworld franchise, it seems unlikely that Beckinsale and Speedman will find their happily ever after.

Also joining the cast of Underworld: Next Generation are James Faulkner (Game of Thrones), Bradley James (Damien), Daisy Head (Fallen), Peter Andersson (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) and newcomer Clementine Nicholson. There is no word yet as to what characters these new additions will play, according to ScreenCrush.

Underworld: Next Generation, starring Kate Beckinsale, Theo James, and Bradley James, is scheduled for an October 21, 2016 theatrical release. Anna Foerster (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) is directing.

[Featured image courtesy of Sony Pictures/Underworld: Awakening]