Two Decades Ago, a Disastrous Vampire Sequel Resurrected an Underrated Franchise

Image: Sony

It is somewhat poetic that Underworld, the melodramatic saga of a blood feud between vampires and Lycans, debuted in 2003. This was the same year the Matrix sequels dominated the cultural zeitgeist, and Underworld often felt like a spiritual spin-off—specifically of that pivotal moment in The Matrix Reloaded where the Oracle mentions rogue programs mimicking supernatural myths. Just months after Neo returned to the big screen, Selene arrived in an anonymous, rain-slicked metropolis defined by leather trench coats, stylized gunplay, and a heavy monochromatic filter. Despite a lukewarm critical reception, it became a cult hit, but it was the 2006 sequel, Underworld: Evolution, that truly cemented the franchise’s identity.

On paper, Evolution appeared to be a step backward for many contemporary critics. The story follows “death-dealer” Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and her hybrid companion Michael (Scott Speedman) as they flee their respective clans, trading the first film’s urban grit for more sprawling landscapes. The novelty of the secret war began to fray as the script burdened the audience with complex lore regarding ancient, bickering elders. With Michael’s unique hybrid status becoming less of a rarity, the protagonists spent much of the runtime battling through forests and derelict fortresses to stop the winged Marcus (Tony Curran). At times, the narrative felt less like a thriller and more like a dense history lesson in creature mythology.

However, Underworld: Evolution is precisely where the series embraced its destiny as a high-octane, “monster-mash” January staple. It became the winter counterpart to Screen Gems’ other female-led action-horror juggernaut, Resident Evil.

Image: Sony

Leaving the confines of the city proved to be a masterstroke. While the original’s urban-fantasy aesthetic was visually arresting, the city itself felt hollow and unlived-in. In Evolution, the creatures returned to more primal settings. The film’s signature icy, steel-blue color palette found its perfect match in snow-dusted forests and remote, dilapidated safehouses, lending the world a more atmospheric and authentic feel.

Image: Sony

With its desolate locations and a focus on visceral, physical brawling over simple gunfights, Evolution plays like a modern, leather-clad homage to the classic Universal Monsters era. The snowy, crumbling castles echo Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man—though that classic lacked the sheer insanity of a fight occurring beneath a tilting, operational helicopter. Director Len Wiseman leans heavily into horror-geek territory here, employing creative cinematography like point-of-view shots following Marcus’s lethal wing-spurs as they impale his victims.

This shift signaled a move away from the polished, “cool” posturing of the original in favor of something more mercenary and grisly. While the first Underworld often felt like a stuffy costume drama punctuated by action, Evolution trimmed the runtime, ramped up the gore, and prepared the franchise for its permanent home in January—a month often dismissed as a dumping ground, but one that has become a sanctuary for unapologetic, fun genre cinema.

Image: Sony

Ultimately, Evolution succeeded by leaning into the noise and the spectacle. It remains remarkably rewatchable because the intricate plotting is easily overshadowed by the inventive combat sequences. It’s the kind of film that feels fresh upon every viewing, simply because you forget the exposition and remember the thrill of the helicopter blades.

The year 2006 was a turning point for many franchises, proving that durability is often more important than initial prestige. While The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift deviated from its original stars, it introduced the vision of Justin Lin. X-Men: The Last Stand proved the audience’s hunger for mutants despite a rushed production, and Saw III demonstrated that a series could outlive its main antagonist. Underworld: Evolution fits perfectly into this trend; by shedding the baggage of the first film and embracing its own chaotic nature, it ensured the franchise’s survival for years to come.

Source: Polygon