How to recreate the ‘Underworld’ saga with a completely new cast without losing the essence of the previous sagas
In the depths of action and horror cinema, the Underworld saga left an indelible mark, mixing the eternal conflict between vampires and werewolves with a dark and seductive beauty. Yet, after five episodes that oscillate between box office success and narrative despair, a unanimous cry emerges: it’s time for radical change. The formula that once captivated fans appears to have worn thin, and the franchise’s fate hangs in the balance. The solution, though complex, points to a new horizon that can restore heritage.
At the center of this crossroads is Selene (Kate Beckinsale), whose presence is both a pillar and a liability for the series. While his charm and strength defined the essence of the Underworld, the constant removal of secondary characters and an over-reliance on his image limited the development of the universe. The narrative, tied to Selene’s designs and battles, cries out for an expansion that explores new dimensions and characters. The final installment, Underworld: Blood Wars, is a clear sign of not only narrative fatigue, but the unsustainability of the current approach.
A new dawn without Selene
The idea of moving forward without Selene doesn’t detract from Beckinsale’s influence on the franchise, but opens up different narrative possibilities. Imagining Underworld without its iconic setting may seem daunting, but it’s an important step in injecting new life and perspective into the story. The vast and rich lore of vampires and werewolves provides fertile ground for exploring untold stories, recognizable characters and conflicts. The series could greatly benefit from a revision that preserves the original content, but dares to innovate and surprise by adding new fantastical creatures or characters similar to what ‘Van Helsing’ tried.
One of the most promising avenues for this revival could be a television series adaptation. Following experiments like Chucky or Blade, Underworld has the potential to find a new audience and expand its universe on an episode-by-episode basis. Television offers a depth and character development that the film often fails to achieve in its time frame. This shift could be the key to exploring parallel stories, character origins, and power dynamics in the world of Underworld, renewing the saga with newness and complexity.
The eternal battle between light and darkness
Beyond narrative and decisions, the future of Underworld lies in its ability to reinvent itself while maintaining the core of what attracted its followers: an ancient struggle between shadows, woven with myth and legend, where honor, betrayal and ambition meet in an eternal dance. The key is balancing nostalgia with innovation, celebrating the past while forging a new destiny.
Although the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, the potential to revitalize the Underworld is undeniable. The thirst for vampire and werewolf stories will never die, and with a bold, fresh vision, the saga will not only survive, but thrive. Selene’s legacy is a time of reflection and creative courage that will give way to a new age of darkness and fantasy. Only time will tell if this universe will continue to hold its place in genre cinema, but one thing is certain: the thirst for new blood has never been stronger.