In Underworld 6: Rise of the Vampire (2025), the legendary conflict between vampires and Lycans takes an unexpected turn. Directed by Len Wiseman, this latest installment in the Underworld franchise explores a darker, more ancient threat to both species. The film brings back fan favorites Selene (played by Kate Beckinsale) and David (played by Theo James), but also introduces a new breed of vampire: the Elder Vampire—an ancient, almost god-like creature with a mission to reignite the vampire world’s dominance over all other supernatural beings.

The story picks up years after the events of Underworld: Blood Wars, where Selene, now fully embracing her role as the leader of the vampire faction, must confront the emergence of a new vampire faction led by The Sovereign (played by Mads Mikkelsen), who seeks to bring about an era of vampiric supremacy through dark and forbidden magic. As Selene and David team up with new allies, including the mysterious Livia (played by Eva Green), they must fight against time and old enemies to prevent the rise of the Sovereign, whose power could spell the end of both vampires and Lycans.

Key Highlights:

• Kate Beckinsale’s Return as Selene: As the franchise’s face and central character, Kate Beckinsale once again delivers a powerful performance as Selene. Her portrayal of the battle-hardened vampire is both fierce and emotionally complex, as she grapples with the responsibilities of leadership, her personal losses, and the new threats to her kind. Beckinsale’s presence is as commanding as ever, and her chemistry with Theo James (David) is palpable, adding depth to their relationship and making their partnership a central driving force of the story.

• The Rise of the Elder Vampire: The introduction of The Sovereign and the Elder Vampires adds an exciting new layer to the Underworld mythology. Mads Mikkelsen brings a chilling and charismatic intensity to his portrayal of the Sovereign, a villain whose ancient powers and ruthless ambition threaten to tip the balance of the war. The film builds on the vampire lore, exploring deeper mythological elements, adding complexity and depth to the series.

• Action & Special Effects: The film delivers the high-octane action that fans have come to expect from the Underworld series. From intense fight sequences to visually stunning displays of supernatural abilities, the action is relentless and thrilling. The special effects, particularly the use of dark magic and the transformation of vampires, are impressive, adding an eerie and fantastical feel to the combat scenes. The vampires’ sleek combat styles combined with the brutal, primal nature of the Lycans make for epic, visually captivating confrontations.

• Emotional Stakes: While Underworld 6 is action-packed, it doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional stakes of its characters. Selene’s journey is one of personal growth and reconciliation as she struggles with the choices she has made over the years. Her connection with David is tested as the two navigate the complexity of their roles in the vampire world and the conflict with the Sovereign. The themes of family, loyalty, and sacrifice resonate throughout the film, grounding the action in the emotional arcs of the characters.