Source:Variety

October 26, 2007

Just two days after we posted shooting dates for a third "Underworld" movie, Variety has published more details on the Lakeshore Entertainment and Screen Gems prequel, to be titled Underworld 3: The Rise of the Lycans.

FX artist Patrick Tatopoulos, who developed the creatures for the first two films, is directing with Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy and Rhona Mitra aboard to star. Underworld creator Len Wiseman will produce alongside Lakeshore's Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi and Skip Williamson.

The prequel story traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires known as Death Dealers and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian (Sheen) emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor (Nighy), the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja (Mitra), in his battle against the Death Dealer army and his struggle for Lycan freedom.

Danny McBride wrote the screenplay.

"For the first time we will experience the 'Underworld' universe through the eyes of the Lycans," Wiseman said. "Patrick has always played such an essential part in helping to create 'Underworld' from the start. ... So I feel it is both exciting and fitting that (he) now takes the helm."

Sony's Screen Gems will distribute the film in North America, with Sony and Lakeshore distributing worldwide.