Underworld: Blood Wars

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Underworld: Blood Wars is a 2016 action-horror film directed by Anna Foerster and the fifth and final entry in the Underworld movie series. It stars Kate Beckinsale as Selene and follows the ongoing war between vampires and Lycans.

Plot summary:
A war rages between vampire covens and Lycan clans. Selene is targeted by Semira, a powerful coven member who wants to drain her blood and steal her powers. After being framed and captured, Selene is rescued by David, the Eastern Coven’s heir. The Nordic Coven resurrects Selene, giving her new abilities to help in the battle. Meanwhile, Marius leads the Lycans and seeks Eve, whose blood could create an army of hybrids. In a climactic battle at Var Dohr, Selene battles alongside Nordic and Eastern covens to defeat Marius; Semira is killed, and David asserts his rightful place as heir. Selene, David, and Lena are named the new Elders, and Eve is revealed to be alive. Michael Corvin’s legacy appears to be carried through archival footage.

Production and release:
Filming took place in Prague from October to December 2015. The film had a budget of about $35 million and was released internationally on November 24, 2016, with a United States release on January 6, 2017. It grossed about $81.1 million worldwide, making it the franchise’s lowest-grossing entry. It received largely negative reviews from critics (about 21% on Rotten Tomatoes and 23/100 on Metacritic), though audiences gave it a moderate B+.

Cast:
Kate Beckinsale as Selene; Theo James as David; Lara Pulver; James Faulkner; Charles Dance; with other returning and new cast members.

Legacy:
Plans for a sixth film were discussed. In 2018, Beckinsale said she wouldn’t return if made, but in 2021 she said she wasn’t opposed to reprising the role.