Sci-Fi Film and Television Developments

Underworld 3: The Rise of the Lycans
11/25/08 – SCI FI Wire reported the upcoming Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is a prequel that focuses on the character of Lucian (Michael Sheen), the Lycan who led his fellow werewolves in an uprising against their vampire masters.  "Well, it goes back into the story of Lucian," Sheen said. "So, hopefully, it will allow people to watch the first one again in a different light, given what you learn about what happened before."  The movie sets the stage for the original Underworld and its sequel, Underworld: Evolution.  Directed by Patrick Tatopoulos and co-starrring Bill Nighy and Rhona Mitra, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans opens on Jan. 23, 2009.

10/29/08 – SCI FI Wire reported that Kevin Grevioux reprises the role of the werewolf, Raze, in the upcoming Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.  The third installment in the vampires-vs.-lycanthropes franchise will go back to the beginning.  "It's the origin of the war between the vampires and the werewolves," Grevioux said. "To be more specific, it's basically Spartacus with werewolves. It's how Lucian Michael Sheen breaks free from captivity and leads the Lycan revolt against the vampires to win their freedom. It also shows how Raze became part of the Lycan clan, and that's all I can tell you.” 
Grevioux had writing and associate or co-producer credits on the previous two Underworld movies and is a co-producer on the third installment as well.  Grevioux's character, Raze, was also called Koro and was born in the 14th century. It was mentioned in 2003's first Underworld that Raze was transformed into a werewolf by Lucian himself, who was so impressed with his fighting abilities that he made Raze his second in command.  Grevioux is also writing the comic-book adaptation of the third movie through DarkStorm Studios, which he founded; the comic will be published by IDW. Grevioux will also write an ongoing comic series, tentatively titled Underworld: Red Rain.  Underworld: Rise of the Lycans opens Jan. 23, 2009.

10/30/07 - A third installment of the Underworld franchise will be led by creature-effects specialist Patrick Tatopoulos, who developed the creatures for the first two movies.  Underworld 3: The Rise of the Lycans will star Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy and Rhona Mitra. Underworld creator Len Wiseman.  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 werewolf-like Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor, the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja, in his battle against the Death Dealer army and his struggle for Lycan freedom.

AlienAlmanac.com    2008