Patrick Tatopoulos, who created the creature effects for the first two "Underworld" films, will make his directorial
debut with this one, which starts production in January in
Auckland, New Zealand.
"Underworld" creator Len Wiseman, who directed the first two films, will produce with Lakeshore's Tom Rosenberg, Gary
Lucchesi and Skip Williamson. Scott Strauss is overseeing for Screen Gems.
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Screen Gems will distribute in North America, with Sony Pictures and Lakeshore distributing worldwide.
Michael Sheen will reprise his role of Lycan master Lucian. Bill Nighy also will return as vampire elder Viktor.
Rhona Mitra ("The Number 23") is joining the cast as Viktor's daughter and secret lover to Lucian.
Kate Beckinsale, who starred in the first two films, will not be in the prequel.
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"For the first time, we will experience the Underworld universe through the eyes of the Lycans," Wiseman said.
"Patrick has always played such an essential part in helping to create 'Underworld' from the start. We have a
terrific working relationship and a shared vision of the world and its characters, so I feel it is both exciting and
fitting that Patrick now takes the helm on 'Rise of the Lycans.'
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