Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

[GreenScar]

Some photos have been released. This is a prequel that has a different director and star (Rhona Mitra). I'll wait for some trailers before I write this off.



Rise of the Lycans is actually a prequel to the two preceding films. While Beckinsale will be absent from the new film, Mitra is not taking over her role as Selene. Rather, the ballsy Brit with play Sonja, who is a secret lover of Lucian (Michael Sheen), a powerful leader of the werewolf clan that rises up against the Viktor (Bill Nighy), the vampire king. Since the film takes place in the Dark Ages, unlike the two before it, it seems natural that Mitra and crew are sporting armor this time around. Much of the cast of the previous two films will return in their same roles.

Not returning, however, is director Len Wiseman, who is also Kate Beckinsale's husband. Wiseman is still involved in a limited capacity, but newcomer and long-time production designer Patrick Tatopoulos will helm the film. Tatopoulos had a hand in the special effects and creature design for the previous Underworld films, along with many others in the sci-fi/horror space, including Pitch Black, The Cave and Silent Hill. That's not a bad resume, but it still leaves his ability to direct in question. All told, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is certainly a tweak to the series formula, but still promising in my mind. What do you think? Does Mitra look like a solid addition?