In 2003 we saw an unlikely change in the supernatural horror/action genre-blend of the industry in the form of Underworld. The vampires vs werewolves flick featured some unlikely action stars, which included the likes of Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Speedman and Kate Beckinsale, who at that point seemed as far as from an action star as one could be.
Despite the unlikely players in the mix, Underworld still managed to hold the attention of the audience. Thus giving a sequel in 2006 (Underworld: Evolution), a 2009 prequel (Rise of the Lycans) and a 3D soft reboot in 2012 (Underworld: Awakening). Awakening’s earning were admittedly modest but good enough that the Underworld franchise could conceivably continue on to part 5. But a decade seems to be too much age for the franchise. Why?
Because Underworld in getting a reboot.
Writer Cory Goodman (the writer of Priest) has been attached to write the script of the reboot. Other than that, the details are a bit sketchy about what exactly does “reboot means”.
Underworld 4 was positioned as a soft reboot for the franchise; the film took Vampire heroine Selene and transported her into the near future via cryogenic freeze. When she awoke, Selene found a new and much different world in which vampires and lycans are hunted to the point where they are extinct. By the end, Selene and Eve set out to find a resurrected Michael (Eve’s father) and take back the world from their enemies.
That’s a pretty solid start for Underworld 5 to continue to build from. As of now, we have no idea if that story will truly get closure or will they be headed to a fresh start.
Point being: A reboot that attempts to blow the vampire/werewolf war out into something much more epic. Something that improves the action choreography, stunts and F/X work. That would make the reboot much better. A rebooted Underworld could offer fans a new entryway into a world that holds marketable appeal by its very nature.