Underworld: Evolution (2006)

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Overview

Underworld: Evolution is an action/horror film, released in 2006, starring Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman. Evolution was the second film in the Underworld franchise to be made, serving as a direct sequel to Underworld. The story sees Selene and Michael on the run, as they attempt to find a way to stop Marcus from releasing his brother from prison. Underworld: Awakening is set to act as its direct sequel, taking place 15 years after the events of Evolution.

Creation

The material that was ultimately used in Underworld: Evolution was prepared well in advance of its predecessor’s release. Prior to presenting the script of Underworld to production studios, the writers, Len Wiseman, Danny McBride and Kevin Grevioux, planned out the entire universe from which they devised the story for the original film:

We sort of mapped out an entire history and story... a massive collection of ideas and stories that we're putting out at certain times.

After the completion of Underworld, the writers decided to use the rich history they had previously created as the basis for devising the storyline for the sequel - in this case, the origins of the war between vampires and lycans. Given the relatively open ending used in Underworld, the writers decided to put an emphasis on the continuity of the fiction. As a result, Evolution takes place only a matter of hours after the conclusion of the original film and the entire story encompasses only a single day. The project was officially commenced before Underworld was even released worldwide, as Screen Gems commissioned a sequel after an impressive box office opening in Canada.

Plot Summary

Following the events of Underworld, Selene and Michael were forced to flee from both vampire and Lycan habitations, being in significant danger from both sides. Despite the threat, she realises she must return to the manor in order to protect the hibernating vampire elder, Marcus Corvinus, believing Kraven intended to kill him. However, upon their arrival, they discover that Marcus has already awoken and murdered Kraven, and has since become a hybrid (after absorbing Singe’s blood). Aware of Selene’s defiance, Marcus attempts to kill her, but Michael successfully leads them both to safety in an abandoned warehouse.

While here, the pair enjoy a brief moment of respite and have sex in the manner one would expect of a vampire and hybrid. After doing the dirty, Selene begins to get dressed once more and while doing so, discovers that her father’s pendant might hold greater significance than she first thought. Curious, she travels to meet up with Marcus’ father, Alexander Corvinus. He proceeds to reveal the true extent of his sons’ powers, much to the anger of Selene. However, before she could discover more information, they come under attack from Marcus, who impales Michael, stabs his father and drinks Selene’s blood - obtaining her memory of his brother William’s prison in the process - before leaving to free him. Before Alexander dies, he persuades her drink of his blood, resulting in her becoming more powerful.

Selene then gathers a group of highly skilled vampires and begin to launch an assault on the prison in order to prevent William from being freed. However, their arrival is too late and instead they are forced to take on both brothers. Although initially successful in leading the attack, Selene’s support soon dwindles rapidly and is instead faced with even more enemies after William turned many of the soldiers into Lycans. However, before all is lost, a now fully recovered Michael returns to the fold to partake in the fight. After a series of brawls, Selene manages to force Marcus’ head into the spinning blades of a nearby helicopter, instantly killing him. Afterwards, Selene rejoins Michael in an embrace, unaffected by the sunlight, having seemingly become near invincible as a result of drinking Alexander’s blood.