What Happened to Underworld (film series)?
The Underworld film series, a gothic action-horror franchise centered on the war between vampires and Lycans, spanned five films from 2003 to 2017, grossing over half a billion dollars worldwide despite mixed critical reception. While star Kate Beckinsale has definitively ruled out returning for future films due to issues with the franchise owners, director Len Wiseman confirmed in 2025 that an 'Underworld' TV series is actively in development, aiming for a darker, less comic-book tone and with updates expected in 2026.
Quick Answer
The Underworld film series, known for its vampire-Lycan conflict and starring Kate Beckinsale as Selene, concluded its cinematic run with 'Underworld: Blood Wars' in 2017. While fans have speculated about a sixth film, Kate Beckinsale unequivocally stated in January 2026 that she would not return to the franchise, citing serious 'criminal behavior' by the owners. However, director Len Wiseman confirmed in May 2025 that an 'Underworld' TV series is in active development, promising a darker and more grounded take on the universe, with further updates anticipated in 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Underworld Film Released
The first film in the series, 'Underworld', directed by Len Wiseman and starring Kate Beckinsale, is released, introducing the ongoing war between vampires and Lycans.
Underworld: Evolution Released
The direct sequel, 'Underworld: Evolution', continues Selene and Michael's story, delving deeper into the origins of the vampire-Lycan conflict.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans Released
A prequel film, 'Underworld: Rise of the Lycans', explores the ancient history of the war, focusing on the origins of Lucian and Viktor.
Underworld: Awakening Released
The fourth installment, 'Underworld: Awakening', sees Selene awaken in a world where humans are aware of and hunting both vampires and Lycans. It became the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
Underworld: Blood Wars Released
The fifth and final film in the series, 'Underworld: Blood Wars', sees Selene seeking to end the eternal war while being hunted by both factions. It was released internationally in late 2016 and in the US in early 2017.
Underworld TV Series Announced
Plans for an 'Underworld' television series, with Len Wiseman involved, were initially announced, hinting at a new direction for the franchise.
Kate Beckinsale Expresses Doubt on Return
Kate Beckinsale publicly states she would not return for a sixth 'Underworld' film, indicating her time with the character Selene was over.
Len Wiseman Confirms TV Series Still Happening
Director Len Wiseman provides an update, confirming that the 'Underworld' TV series is still in the works and has a future, though details remain scarce due to ongoing industry strikes.
Wiseman Provides Significant TV Series Update
Len Wiseman confirms the 'Underworld' TV series is 'awesome' and actively in development, stating he's spent two years on it and it will be a 'big departure' from the films with a darker tone.
Kate Beckinsale Rules Out Future Film Return
Kate Beckinsale definitively states on Instagram that she will not return to the 'Underworld' franchise, citing 'criminal behavior of a very serious nature' by the owners.
Underworld TV Series Awaits Further Announcements
As of today, the 'Underworld' TV series remains in active development, with director Len Wiseman expecting to provide more updates in 2026, potentially including platform announcements or first-look details.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The 'Underworld' film series carved out a distinctive niche in the action-horror genre, launching with its eponymous film in 2003. Directed by Len Wiseman and starring Kate Beckinsale as the vampire Death Dealer Selene, the franchise quickly gained a cult following for its stylish gothic aesthetic, intricate mythology of vampires and Lycans (werewolves), and intense action sequences. Despite generally receiving negative to mixed reviews from critics, the films consistently found commercial success, demonstrating a strong appeal to its dedicated fanbase.
The series expanded with four sequels: 'Underworld: Evolution' (2006), the prequel 'Underworld: Rise of the Lycans' (2009), 'Underworld: Awakening' (2012), and 'Underworld: Blood Wars' (2017). 'Underworld: Awakening' proved to be the highest-grossing installment, pulling in over $160 million worldwide, indicating the franchise's peak popularity. The films collectively amassed a global box office total of $539 million against a combined production budget of $207 million, making it a profitable venture for Lakeshore Entertainment and Screen Gems.
A significant turning point for the franchise's future occurred in September 2018 when Kate Beckinsale initially expressed disinterest in reprising her role as Selene. This sentiment was solidified and dramatically amplified in January 2026, when Beckinsale publicly stated on Instagram that she would not work with the 'Underworld' owners again due to 'criminal behavior of a very serious nature and general bad behavior.' This statement effectively closed the door on any future cinematic continuation featuring the iconic lead actress.
However, the 'Underworld' universe is not entirely dormant. In May 2025, director Len Wiseman, who co-created the series, confirmed that an 'Underworld' TV series is actively in development. Wiseman revealed he had been working on the project for approximately two years and described it as a 'pretty big departure from the films,' aiming for a darker, more grounded, and less 'comic book' tone. This shift suggests a deeper exploration of the lore and characters, potentially appealing to both long-time fans and new audiences.
As of August 2026, the future of the 'Underworld' film series, particularly with Kate Beckinsale, remains definitively closed. The focus has entirely shifted to the television adaptation. While no release date, casting details, or specific platform have been announced for the TV series, Wiseman's ongoing involvement and commitment suggest that the vampire-Lycan war will continue to unfold on the small screen, with further updates expected throughout 2026. Fan-made trailers and discussions about 'Underworld 6' continue to circulate online, but these are not indicative of official film plans.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Underworld (film series) made different choices?