Name: Underworld: Awakening (2012)
Director: Måns Mårlind, Björn Stein
Genre: action, fantasy, horror
Released: 2012
Duration: 1 h 28 min
Cast: Charles Dance, India Eisley, Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, Stephen Rea

CMDB Review

7/10

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Overview

Underworld: Awakening (2012) Storyline

Underworld: Awakening is the 2012 sequel that brings Selene into a very different world after years in suspended captivity. Humans have discovered the existence of vampires and Lycans, launching a brutal purge that changes the balance of power across the planet. When Selene escapes, she finds herself hunted by humans, monsters and corporate forces hiding dangerous experiments. The story introduces Eve, a young hybrid whose bloodline makes her a target for everyone seeking control of the supernatural future. With a faster pace, modern setting and more explosive action, Awakening pushes the franchise into a more sci-fi influenced direction while keeping the gothic DNA that made Underworld stand out.

action fantasy horror

Underworld: Awakening (2012) Details Director, release, studio & more

Director: Måns Mårlind, Björn Stein
Release: 20/01/2012
Runtime: 1h 28m
Universe: IDW Publishing
Last Updated: 16 Aug 2026

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Who's In It

Cast of Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Charles Dance

India Eisley

Kate Beckinsale

Michael Ealy

Stephen Rea

Theo James

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Trailer & Media

CMDB Review

Underworld: Awakening (2012) Review 7/10

We have rated Underworld: Awakening 7 out of 10, because it gives the franchise a sharp modern jolt even if the story feels more streamlined than the earlier mythology-heavy entries. Kate Beckinsale’s return as Selene is the main event, and she still brings the same cool, dangerous energy that made the character so watchable. The idea of humans discovering and hunting both vampires and Lycans gives the series a fresh angle, while the introduction of Eve adds a new emotional stake for Selene. It is shorter, faster and more action-focused than the previous films, which makes it very easy to watch but a little less rich in lore. Still, as a slick supernatural action movie with bullets, claws and a very angry vampire in a catsuit, Awakening absolutely gets the job done.

Did You Know?

Awakening brings Kate Beckinsale back as Selene after the prequel focused on Lucian.
The film introduces a world where humans know vampires and Lycans exist.
India Eisley plays Eve, a hybrid character central to the film’s story.
Charles Dance joins the franchise as Thomas, a vampire elder figure.
The sequel has a more modern and science-fiction influenced tone than earlier entries.
The film was released in 3D during the early-2010s 3D movie boom.
Selene wakes after years in captivity to discover the supernatural world has changed.
The movie focuses heavily on action and chase sequences.
Awakening helped relaunch the franchise after the prequel chapter.
The film explores how humans would react if vampires and Lycans were exposed.