Underworld 6: Rise of the Vampire (2025)

A New Threat from the Shadows

Set years after the events of Underworld: Blood Wars (2016), the vampire and Lycan clans are shattered, scattered, and nearly extinct. Selene, now in hiding, is called back into action when a powerful ancient vampire—long believed dead—awakens from centuries of slumber. His name is Valek (played by Bill Skarsgård), a brutal warlord with ambitions to resurrect the vampire empire by enslaving what’s left of the Lycans and humanity alike.

As Valek assembles an army of mutated vampires, Selene must unite old enemies, forge new alliances, and confront her own dark legacy to stop him. Alongside her is David (Theo James), now a seasoned leader, and Selene’s daughter Eve (portrayed by a grown-up actress in her first major role), whose hybrid powers may be the key to ending the war forever.

Gothic Style Meets Modern Action

Rise of the Vampire leans into everything fans love about the Underworld series: sleek costumes, brooding atmosphere, and blood-soaked action. The film blends practical stunts with cutting-edge visual effects, showcasing epic battles in ruined cathedrals, underground cities, and ancient crypts.

The tone is darker and more apocalyptic than previous entries, reflecting a world where the supernatural is no longer hidden but hunted. Themes of identity, legacy, and survival give the story emotional weight, especially as Selene faces the end of her centuries-long fight.

Returning Stars and New Blood

Kate Beckinsale once again dominates the screen, delivering a fierce and emotional performance as Selene. Her physicality and commanding presence remind audiences why she remains one of the most iconic vampire heroines in cinema. Theo James adds maturity and strength to his returning role, while newcomers like Bill Skarsgård and Anya Chalotra (as a rogue Lycan queen) breathe fresh life into the war-torn world.

The chemistry between Selene and her daughter Eve adds a new layer to the narrative, creating a generational story that mirrors the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Early reviews call the film a satisfying return to form. Empire Magazine described it as “a stylish and violent crescendo to a cult saga,” while Bloody Disgusting praised the film’s visuals and emotional stakes. Longtime fans will find plenty of callbacks, lore, and closure—while new viewers will enjoy a tightly paced action film with mythological flair.

Final Thoughts

Underworld 6: Rise of the Vampire is a thrilling and worthy conclusion to the blood-soaked journey of Selene. It honors its roots while evolving the story into something larger, deeper, and more mythic. Whether this truly is the final chapter remains to be seen—but if so, the franchise ends not with a whisper, but with fangs bared and guns blazing.

As Selene declares in the film’s final moments:
"The war is over. But darkness... darkness never dies."