Underworld (2003)

Last updated:
July 9, 2025

Underworld (2003) is a gothic action-horror film that kicked off a franchise blending vampires, werewolves (called Lycans), and stylish trench coats with a dose of Matrix-like flair. Directed by Len Wiseman and starring Kate Beckinsale, this vampire-versus-werewolf saga combines mythology, bloodlines, betrayal, and lots of bullets.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Introduction: A War Beneath the Surface

The film opens with a brooding narration from Selene (Kate Beckinsale), a Death Dealer (elite vampire warrior), who explains the secret centuries-old war between vampires and Lycans (werewolves). The human world is oblivious, but an underground war rages on. Selene is obsessed with killing Lycans, believing they murdered her family.

Selene’s Discovery and the Human Michael

While tracking Lycans, Selene notices they’re unusually interested in a human named Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman). This piques her curiosity, as Lycans usually don’t hunt random humans. Michael is a medical intern with no idea that vampires or werewolves exist. When he’s bitten by Lucian (Michael Sheen), the leader of the Lycans believed to be dead, Selene takes him under her protection.

This leads her to suspect a deeper conspiracy and that perhaps the Lycans are not the mindless beasts she was taught to hate.

The Vampire Power Struggle

Selene clashes with Kraven (Shane Brolly), the current vampire regent, who wants to keep things quiet. Kraven is arrogant, treacherous, and seems to have struck a deal with Lucian. To get answers, Selene awakens Viktor (Bill Nighy), an ancient vampire elder, decades ahead of schedule. Viktor is practically a vampire godfather, and his awakening is a dangerous breach of protocol.

The Hybrid Revelation

As Selene and Michael grow closer, she learns of a secret: Michael is a descendant of Alexander Corvinus, the first immortal being, making Michael a unique hybrid candidate — someone who can combine the strengths of both vampires and Lycans.

Lucian’s plan is revealed: he doesn’t want to destroy vampires, he wants peace. But he believes that creating a hybrid through Michael will end the war. Unfortunately, Kraven shoots Lucian and betrays everyone. It’s clear that Viktor knew about Selene’s true past — and was responsible for murdering her family, not the Lycans. Viktor adopted Selene as a daughter and manipulated her into becoming a vampire and killing machine to serve his war.

Movie Ending

In the climax, Viktor attempts to kill Michael to prevent the hybrid transformation. Selene, now realizing Viktor’s betrayal and lies, sides with Michael. After a brutal battle, she kills Viktor by slicing his head diagonally in half with her sword — one of the film’s most memorable deaths.

Michael, now a fully transformed hybrid with Lycan strength and vampire speed, helps Selene escape. They flee together, hunted by both species.

The final scene hints at the consequences of Selene’s actions: another vampire elder, Marcus, is waking up — and he looks angry. This directly sets up the sequel.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Underworld (2003) does not have a post-credits scene. However, the ending heavily teases a sequel, which eventually became Underworld: Evolution (2006).

Type of Movie

Genre: Action, Horror, Fantasy, Supernatural Thriller
Tone: Dark, gothic, stylish, with a moody atmosphere
Rating: R (for strong violence, gore, and language)

Cast

Kate Beckinsale as Selene
Scott Speedman as Michael Corvin
Bill Nighy as Viktor
Michael Sheen as Lucian
Shane Brolly as Kraven
Erwin Leder as Singe
Sophia Myles as Erika
Kevin Grevioux as Raze

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Paul Haslinger, formerly of Tangerine Dream. The soundtrack includes dark, industrial, and gothic rock tracks that perfectly complement the film’s brooding aesthetic. Notable contributions include songs by Tool’s Maynard James Keenan, David Bowie, and A Perfect Circle. The soundtrack has a cult following of its own.

Filming Locations

Primary Location: Budapest, Hungary
The film was shot mostly in Budapest, chosen for its gothic architecture and atmospheric landscapes. The moody, almost monochrome look of the city contributed significantly to the movie’s dark tone. Many interior shots were filmed in old buildings and castles that helped ground the fantasy elements in a realistic setting.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film
Won Best Music at the Scream Awards
Although it didn’t sweep major awards, the film gained a strong cult following and inspired several sequels and prequels.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Director Len Wiseman married Kate Beckinsale after meeting her on set.
Kevin Grevioux, who plays Raze, also co-created the story and helped shape the original mythology.
The werewolves were mostly practical effects and suits, with minimal CGI, giving them a tangible, physical presence.
Michael Sheen would return to the franchise, even in prequels, due to fan demand despite Lucian’s death.
Kate Beckinsale did many of her own stunts, training extensively with weapons and martial arts.

Inspirations and References

The story is loosely inspired by Romeo and Juliet, reimagined as a vampire-werewolf forbidden love story.
The mythology borrows from various Eastern European vampire legends and werewolf folklore.
Visually and stylistically influenced by The Matrix (1999) — leather outfits, slow-motion action, blue-gray filters.
Story-wise, it reflects class-based conflict narratives and ancient bloodline myths.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

A few deleted scenes were released in the Unrated Extended Edition, including extended dialogue between Selene and Michael, and more exposition about the vampire hierarchy.
An alternate ending was considered where Kraven survives, but it was scrapped to make Selene’s choices more impactful.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Underworld was novelized after the movie’s release.
The novel gives deeper insight into the characters’ thoughts, especially Selene’s inner conflict.
It also expands slightly on the history of the vampire-Lycan war and adds more philosophical musings about immortality and revenge.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Selene jumping from a building and shooting a perfect circular hole in the floor with dual pistols.
Viktor’s dramatic awakening from his coffin submerged in blood.
The revelation that Viktor killed Selene’s family and lied to her for centuries.
Michael’s final transformation into the first hybrid.

Iconic Quotes

Selene: “The war had begun centuries ago, without humanity’s knowledge.”
Viktor: “Your sympathy for this beast is foolish.”
Lucian: “We are the hunted! But we will not be the hunted!”
Kraven: “You’re just a human. You mean nothing to them.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The Corvinus bloodline mentioned subtly hints at the plot of Underworld: Evolution.
Kraven’s betrayal is foreshadowed through quick glances and interrupted conversations early in the film.
The opening voice-over is a callback to classic vampire films, establishing Selene as a modern Gothic heroine.

Trivia

Kate Beckinsale had never seen a vampire movie before being cast.
The Lycans’ roaring sounds were a mix of lions, tigers, and motorcycle engines.
The film’s color palette is almost entirely blue and gray, with red (blood) used for contrast and symbolism.
The movie was shot in just over 50 days, a tight schedule for a film with so many effects.

Why Watch?

Underworld is the perfect storm of vampires, werewolves, gunfights, and dark romance. If you like gothic aesthetics, antiheroes, and supernatural politics mixed with action, this is your jam. It’s a fun, fast-paced film that doesn’t pretend to be high art but absolutely nails its vibe.

Director’s Other Movies

Underworld: Evolution (2006)
Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
Total Recall (2012)
Underworld: Awakening (2012) – Producer

Underworld (2003)