The Underworld franchise is a series that I have to give a lot of credit to; a horror/action series that has crafted a strong mythology and has managed to keep its fans thoroughly engaged despite a lukewarm reception by mainstream audiences. Creator/director Len Wiseman has always stuck by the series and I respect him for such dedication. The fifth installment of the series, Underworld: Next Generation, is currently filming with Wiseman as a producer, and in a recent interview Wiseman mentioned that the plans for a spinoff series are still in the works.
A television adaptation of Underworld has been talked about since last year, so this feels like Wiseman assuring fans that things are still moving on that front. He’s remaining tight-lipped as to what the series itself would entail (I doubt we’d be lucky enough to have Kate Beckinsale gracing our screens once a week), but a televised version of Underworld would allow for the kind of deep exploration into the world’s mythology that a film just wouldn’t have the time to devote to.
I once would have thought the highly stylized action would have been a problem on the small screen, but shows like Into the Badlands and Daredevil have demonstrated that complex fighting and action can be achieved on a television show’s budget. Plus, any genre content that could feature strong lead female characters is more than welcome in this day and age.
I have a feeling that this potential series will hinge on the reception to Underworld: Next Generation, so here’s hoping it’s a good movie that leads to a potentially even better TV show. Underworld: Next Generation is scheduled for release on October 21.
What kind of Immortal are you: Vampire or Lycan? Head on over to the Underworld Wiki and find out which side you’re on.