Name: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Director: Patrick Tatopoulos
Genre: action, fantasy, horror
Released: 2009
Duration: 1 h 32 min
Cast: Bill Nighy, Craig Parker, Kevin Grevioux, Michael Sheen, Rhona Mitra

CMDB Review

7/10

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Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) poster

Overview

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) Storyline

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is the 2009 prequel that finally drags the franchise back to the beginning of the vampire and Lycan war. Set centuries before Selene’s story, the film focuses on Lucian, the first powerful Lycan leader, and his forbidden relationship with Sonja, the daughter of vampire elder Viktor. What begins as a dark fantasy romance quickly becomes a rebellion story, as enslaved Lycans rise against the vampire aristocracy that has controlled them for generations. The movie trades modern gun battles for swords, castles, chains and gothic tragedy, giving the franchise a more medieval flavour. By showing the emotional spark that ignited the war, Rise of the Lycans adds useful context to the hatred and betrayal that shape the entire Underworld saga.

action fantasy horror

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) Details Director, release, studio & more

Director: Patrick Tatopoulos
Release: 23/01/2009
Runtime: 1h 32m
Universe: IDW Publishing
Last Updated: 16 Aug 2026

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Who's In It

Cast of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

Bill Nighy Viktor

Craig Parker

Kevin Grevioux

Michael Sheen

Rhona Mitra

Steven Mackintosh

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CMDB Review

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) Review 7/10

We have rated Underworld: Rise of the Lycans 7 out of 10, because while it misses Selene’s iconic presence, it does a solid job of giving the franchise’s mythology more emotional weight. Michael Sheen is easily the standout here, turning Lucian into a tragic and charismatic figure rather than just the werewolf enemy from the shadows. Bill Nighy clearly enjoys every icy, dramatic second as Viktor, and Rhona Mitra gives Sonja enough strength to make the doomed romance matter. The film is smaller in scale than the mainline entries, but the prequel setting gives it a distinct identity. It is less sleek than the Selene-led films, yet it works as a dark origin chapter for fans who wanted to know why the vampire and Lycan war became so personal. Not the strongest entry, but far from a throwaway side quest.

Did You Know?

Rise of the Lycans is a prequel set centuries before the original Underworld movie.
Michael Sheen returns as Lucian, giving the character a much larger role.
The story explains the tragic origin of the vampire and Lycan war.
Rhona Mitra plays Sonja, whose relationship with Lucian becomes central to the conflict.
Bill Nighy returns as Viktor, one of the franchise’s most powerful vampire elders.
The film swaps modern weapons for swords, castles and medieval gothic fantasy.
Patrick Tatopoulos directed the film after working as a creature designer on the franchise.
Kevin Grevioux, one of the franchise’s key creative voices, appears as Raze.
The film gives more context to events referenced in the first Underworld movie.
It remains the only main Underworld film not led by Kate Beckinsale as Selene.