Exploring the Dark World of “Underworld”: Unveiling Hidden Secrets of the Iconic Vampire-Werewolf Saga
“Underworld,” the stylish and action-packed film franchise, blends gothic aesthetics with a modern-day war between vampires and werewolves. Launched in 2003, the series quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase, fascinated by its lore and the enigmatic Selene, portrayed by Kate Beckinsale. While many are familiar with the epic storyline, there’s a treasure trove of hidden facts and behind-the-scenes details that enrich the series’ legacy. Let’s dive deep into the lesser-known aspects of “Underworld” that even die-hard fans might have missed.
1. The Unique Inspiration Behind “Underworld”
Len Wiseman, the director of the original “Underworld,” was inspired by the “Romeo and Juliet” theme of star-crossed lovers but wanted a supernatural twist. The forbidden romance between Selene and Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman), a hybrid of both vampire and werewolf, mirrors Shakespeare’s tragedy but is set against the backdrop of a centuries-old feud between two supernatural species.
2. The Lawsuit Over Copyright Infringement
Shortly after the release of “Underworld,” White Wolf, Inc. and Nancy A. Collins filed a lawsuit against Sony Pictures, Screen Gems, and others, claiming that the film’s premise was too similar to their tabletop role-playing game, “Vampire: The Masquerade,” and Collins’ “Sonja Blue” series. The lawsuit was settled out of court, with the terms undisclosed.
3. Kate Beckinsale’s Unconventional Casting
Kate Beckinsale wasn’t the first choice for Selene. Producers initially considered Rhona Mitra and Halle Berry for the lead role. However, Beckinsale impressed Wiseman with her intensity and dedication, ultimately landing her the role that would define her career.
4. The Real-Life Romance Behind the Scenes
The chemistry between Kate Beckinsale and director Len Wiseman wasn’t just cinematic magic; it blossomed into a real-life romance. The two met on set during the filming of “Underworld,” and Wiseman left his then-wife to marry Beckinsale in 2004. They were together for over a decade before separating in 2015.
5. The Role of Practical Effects
While CGI played a significant role in the “Underworld” series, particularly for the werewolf transformations, the filmmakers also relied heavily on practical effects. The Lycans (werewolves) were brought to life using animatronics and prosthetics, enhancing the dark, gritty feel of the series.
6. Creation of the “Underworld” Lore
The rich lore of the “Underworld” universe is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing part of the story. Wiseman, alongside screenwriter Danny McBride, created an intricate backstory involving rival vampire and Lycan clans, ancient bloodlines, and hybrid mutations. This world-building is a cornerstone of the franchise’s success.
7. Evolution of the Lycans
In the first film, the Lycans were portrayed primarily as antagonists. However, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” (2009) shifted the focus to their perspective. This prequel explored their origins and the tragic love story between Lucian (Michael Sheen) and Sonja (Rhona Mitra), revealing the oppression that led to the Lycan revolt.
8. Bill Nighy’s Intense Performance
Bill Nighy’s portrayal of Viktor, the ruthless vampire elder, is iconic. To embody the 1,400-year-old vampire, Nighy wore special contact lenses and prosthetic fangs that were so uncomfortable he could only wear them for short periods. Despite the discomfort, his chilling performance remains one of the highlights of the series.
9. The Influence of “The Matrix”
The sleek, blue-tinted aesthetic and action choreography of “Underworld” drew comparisons to “The Matrix,” released four years earlier. Wiseman acknowledged the influence but emphasized that “Underworld” had a distinct visual language, combining gothic and cyberpunk elements to create a unique look.
10. The Unusual Filming Location
“Underworld” was filmed almost entirely in Budapest, Hungary. The decision to shoot in Eastern Europe was due to the old-world architecture, which perfectly matched the film’s gothic aesthetic. The crew faced challenges, though, as filming took place during one of the coldest winters on record.
11. “Underworld: Awakening” and the 3D Craze
“Underworld: Awakening” (2012) was the first film in the series to be shot in 3D. Directors Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein used Red Epic cameras to create a more immersive experience, capitalizing on the 3D craze of the early 2010s. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box-office success.
12. The Franchise’s Shift to Female Empowerment
While the “Underworld” series began as a vampire-werewolf action saga, it progressively embraced themes of female empowerment. Kate Beckinsale’s portrayal of Selene evolved from a fierce warrior to a pivotal leader in the supernatural conflict. In “Underworld: Blood Wars” (2016), Selene becomes an almost messianic figure, uniting the vampire clans and Lycans alike while representing strength and resilience.
13. Michael Sheen’s Commitment to Lucian
Michael Sheen, who played the Lycan leader Lucian, brought incredible depth to his role. Known for his method approach to acting, Sheen immersed himself in the character’s motivations and backstory. In “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,” he insisted on doing many of his own stunts and even learned sword fighting to portray Lucian convincingly.
14. The Extended Universe: Comics and Novels
The “Underworld” universe expanded beyond the screen, with comic books and novels enriching the lore. IDW Publishing released a comic series exploring Selene’s past and the ancient conflict between vampires and Lycans. In addition, Greg Cox wrote novelizations of the films, providing fans with deeper insights into the characters’ motivations and histories.
15. The Lost TV Series Plans
In 2017, Len Wiseman revealed plans for a TV series set in the “Underworld” universe. The show aimed to explore the political intrigue and power struggles between vampires and Lycans in greater detail. However, despite early development work, the series never materialized, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
16. The Influence of Mythology and History
The “Underworld” franchise cleverly weaves mythology and history into its narrative. The vampires and Lycans are inspired by various mythological creatures and historical events. For instance, the character Viktor is loosely based on Vlad the Impaler, while the Lycans’ struggle mirrors historical slave revolts.
17. Selene’s Iconic Catsuit
Selene’s tight-fitting leather catsuit has become synonymous with the character and the franchise. Costume designer Wendy Partridge created the look, blending gothic and futuristic elements. Kate Beckinsale described the suit as extremely uncomfortable but acknowledged its importance in defining Selene’s fierce persona.
18. The Franchise’s Box-Office Success
Despite mixed critical reception, the “Underworld” series has been a box-office powerhouse. With a combined budget of around $212 million, the five films have grossed over $539 million worldwide. This commercial success cemented “Underworld” as one of the most successful vampire franchises in modern cinema.
19. The Special Effects Evolution
Over the course of five films, the special effects in “Underworld” evolved significantly. The original film relied heavily on practical effects, particularly for the Lycans. By “Underworld: Awakening,” CGI became more prominent, allowing for more fluid transformations and elaborate action sequences.
20. Kate Beckinsale’s Reluctance to Return
After “Underworld: Awakening,” Kate Beckinsale initially expressed reluctance to return to the franchise. However, she was drawn back for “Underworld: Blood Wars,” citing the strong fanbase and Selene’s compelling story arc. Her dedication to the role is evident in her consistent and powerful performances.
21. The Franchise’s Legacy in Pop Culture
“Underworld” has left a lasting impact on pop culture, influencing the portrayal of vampires and werewolves in movies and TV shows. Its blend of modern and gothic aesthetics, along with strong female leads, has inspired other franchises like “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals.” The series’ fans continue to celebrate Selene’s legacy through cosplay, fan fiction, and online communities.
The “Underworld” series has captivated audiences for nearly two decades with its unique blend of gothic horror, action, and complex lore. From the intense performances to the intricate world-building, the franchise has carved out a distinct place in vampire-werewolf mythology. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, these hidden facts and behind-the-scenes stories offer a deeper appreciation for the dark and stylish universe of “Underworld.”
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