The "Underworld" franchise started a release pattern with the third installment three years ago today. "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" was the second film to hit theaters on the third Friday of January. This started a trend that carried on through the release of the newest entry in the series, "Awakening," in 2012.
The movie took us back to the Dark Ages and gave us a firsthand look at how the battle between the Lycans and the vampires began. It told the tale of how the strong Lycan Lucian led a group of werewolves in a revolt against the vampire king Viktor, who made the werewolves slaves. Viktor's daughter, Sonja, secretly loves Lucian and joins him in the fight for the werewolves' freedom from their vampire captors.
"Rise of the Lycans" had a much grander feel to it than the previous "Underworld" films. Where the first two movies were set in the present, the third installment was a prequel. The fact that it was a period piece made it feel epic and ageless.
Since it was a prequel, Kate Beckinsale's character Selene didn't figure into the main plot at all. Her only appearance was in clips from the previous films at the end, as well as providing an introduction voiceover. Fans were a bit upset that she wouldn't be in the movie but got over it quickly when they saw how great Rhona Mitra was in the part of Sonja.
Patrick Tatopoulos directed "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans." It was his feature film debut, and only directing credit to date. He went back to doing what he loves best: special effects, creature design, and production design. Tatopoulos started out on the "Underworld" franchise as its creature designer and supervisor. He also worked on "Total Recall," "Silent Hill: Revelation 3D," and "The Last Voyage of Demeter." He's currently appearing on SyFy's "Face Off" as a judge.
Danny McBride, Dirk Blackman, and Howard McCain co-wrote the screenplay for "Rise of the Lycans." McBride is co-creator of the franchise, co-writing the first two movies as well. The only writing he did previous to the "Underworld" movies was an episode of "The Outer Limits." Blackman co-wrote "Outlander" with McCain, who also directed. Franchise co-creator Len Wiseman co-wrote the story for the prequel.
Only a few of the characters and actors returned for the prequel, in addition to Beckinsale's brief reappearance and narration. Bill Nighy reprised his role as vampire king Viktor. Michael Sheen portrayed Lycan Lucian again. Kevin Grevioux took on the role of Raze for the third time. Shane Brolly's dialogue as Kraven is used in the film.
Just like the first two films in the series, "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" was blasted by critics and liked by many moviegoers. It wasn't as successful as the original or "Evolution." However, it did almost make as much as the first film. The movie made back its $35 million budget, grossing over $91 million worldwide.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
'Contagion' a Movie to Catch on DVD
'The Divide' Splits Critics, Moviegoers
January 14: Audiences Couldn't Escape 'The Dunwich Horror'
Eric Shirey is the founder and former editor of Rondo Award nominated movie news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other entertainment websites. Eric has interviewed and worked with actors like Harrison Ford, Brooke Shields, Gerard Butler, Brendan Fraser, Selena Gomez, and many more.
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