Lakeshore Entertainment and Screen Gems are teaming to bring a third installment of the Underworld franchise to the bigscreen.. Underworld 3: The Rise of the Lycans ( I can’t help but wonder if there was a Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines poster hanging on the wall somewhere near the cubicle of the guy who came up with title ), is a prequel to the two successful action - horror flicks directed by Len Wiseman and starring Kate Beckensale..

Beckinsale and co - star Scott Speedman are not expected to appear in the prequel, which is reportedly set in the Dark Ages and explores the roots of the centuries - old clash between vampires and werewolves.. Set in the world where vampires are known as Death Dealers and werewolves are known as Lycans, the third film will be a prequel examining their relationship over the centuries.. In this fantastical sort of Romeo & Juliet story, the young lycan Lucian ( Michael Sheen ) and his illicit lover Sonja ( Rhona Mitra ), a Death Dealer.. The problem is, the aristocratic Death Dealers led by Viktor ( Billy Nighy ) have enslaved the lycans, and it’s up to Lucian to lead the lycans into overthrowing their despotic rulers..

Len Wiseman, the director of the first two films, recent said..

” For the first time we will experience the ‘ Underworld ‘ universe through the eyes of the Lycans.. Patrick has always played such an essential part in helping to create ‘ Underworld ‘ from the start.. So I feel it is both exciting and fitting that he now takes the helm..”

Underworld 3 will be Tatopoulos’ feature directorial debut.. His FX resume includes Stargate, Independence Day, Godzilla, Stuart Little, The Chronicles of Riddick, I, Robot, Silent Hill, Eragon, Resident Evil: Extinction and the upcoming 10,000 B.C., I Am Legend and Trick ‘R Treat..

Underworld creator Len Wiseman will produce alongside Lakeshore’s Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi and Skip Williamson..

Underworld 3: The Rise of the Lycans starts production in January 2008 in Auckland, New Zealand..