'Underworld 5' News: Kate Beckinsale's Ex-Husband Creating Spinoff Series About Lycans And Vampires?

by Miguel Abesamis / Jan 28, 2016 10:08 AM EST

'Underworld 5' Release Date Announced; Franchise To Be Adapted Into TV Series?

Kate Beckinsale is set to play vampire Selene for the fourth time in Sony's "Underworld 5." However, the latest news claims that the franchise is being adapted into a weekly live-action tv series by Beckinsale's ex-husband, director Lens Wiseman.

According to Den of Geek, news of an "Underworld" TV series first surfaced in 2012. However, Wiseman, who directed several of the "Underworld" installments, says that the Lycans vs. Vampires show won't make it in time to compliment the upcoming fifth feature film.

"Yes, there's been a lot of conversations and even development on what that series would be," Wiseman said in an interview with Collider. "It's really appropriate for television, in terms of how those characters can really tie in, but also become something new. It's really an attractive space. I don't want to put a date on it because then that's going to be printed and it might not happen in that timeframe, but it is a thought."

Wiseman met Beckinsale on the set of 2003's "Underworld." The two tied the knot in 2004 and worked together for two more "Underworld" installments until they called it quits last year. Wiseman is on board the upcoming movie as a producer, leaving the directorial duties to Anna Foerster.

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old actress has been keeping herself busy with "Underworld 5." According to Entertainment Weekly, principal photography for the fifth installment began in October in Prague, Czech Republic. Joining Beckinsale is Theo James (Divergent series), who reprises his role from 2012's "Underworld: Awakening" as David. It is believed that James' character will take over as the series' new main character.

The supporting cast includes Tobias Menzies ("Outlander"), Lara Pulver ("Sherlock"), Peter Anderson ("The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"), Bradley James ("Fast Girls"), James Faulkner ("Game of Thrones") and Charles Dance ("Ghostbusters 3").

"Underworld 5" is slated for an October 2016 release, although sources speculate that it might be bumped to 2017 due to extensive special effects work on the film.

Stay tuned for more news on "Underworld 5" as updates become available.