Underworld 6: Rise of the Lycans Queen (2026) – A Dark, Fierce Evolution of the Saga
The Underworld franchise has always been synonymous with darkness, action, and Gothic grandeur, but in its sixth installment, Underworld 6: Rise of the Lycans Queen, the series delivers something far more intense—an evolution. A new queen has arrived, and with her, the power dynamics of the war between vampires and Lycans are thrown into upheaval.
The Return of Selene: Haunted and Lethal
Kate Beckinsale returns as Selene, a character whose silver eyes have borne the weight of centuries of violence. In this film, her character is no longer the lone, vengeful warrior she once was. Instead, she finds herself confronting the dark truths of her legacy, the choices that have defined her, and the shifting tides of a war that no longer looks the same.
Beckinsale’s portrayal continues to be hauntingly fierce, her quiet sorrow balancing against moments of brutal action. Selene’s struggle—between loyalty to her vampire heritage and the unsettling realities of the war—makes her journey one of emotional depth and existential questioning. It’s a quiet reckoning, but it resonates through every frame.
The Rise of the Lycans Queen: A Fierce Force of Nature
However, the true standout of this film is Jessica Henwick’s portrayal of the Lycan Queen. Her character is forged in captivity, crowned in fury, and now radiates an undeniable, raw power. Henwick’s performance is magnetic, as the Lycan Queen does not merely demand freedom—she takes it. This new character flips the power dynamic of the series, leading a rebellion that gives the Lycans a fierce voice and a devastating purpose.
Her transformation from a prisoner to a warrior queen is compelling, and Henwick captures her character’s inner conflict and explosive rage with stunning precision. In many ways, she becomes the heart of the film, representing the very essence of change.
Visuals: A Gothic Fever Dream
The visuals in Underworld 6: Rise of the Lycans Queen are a fever dream come to life. Gothic cathedrals crumble under the weight of the moon’s light, ancient fortresses burn in a fiery crescendo, and the moonlit forests become battlegrounds where nature itself seems to take part in the carnage. The cinematography is lush and dynamic, with each frame dripping in that signature Underworld atmosphere—dark, stylish, and unrelenting.
The action sequences are meticulously choreographed, each fight feeling like a balletic blend of beauty and brutality. Slow-motion shots of claws flashing and fangs gleaming evoke an almost hypnotic quality, making each battle seem like both an art form and a desperate struggle for survival. The blood flows like rain, heightening the intensity of the conflict.
Selene’s Arc: A Clash of Loyalty, Vengeance, and Rebirth
The emotional core of this film lies in Selene’s arc. Torn between the vampire legacy she has bled for and the undeniable truths she must face, her journey is a battle not just against enemies, but against her own identity. Themes of loyalty, forbidden bonds, and vengeance collide in a way that feels like a seismic shift for the saga.
Selene’s internal conflict is explored with nuance, and the stakes feel higher than ever. This is not just fan service; it’s a genuine evolution of the character and the series as a whole. The film makes the Underworld mythos feel dangerous and fresh again, bringing an intensity that was previously missing from the franchise.
Conclusion: A Glorious Rebirth
Underworld 6: Rise of the Lycans Queen is a dark, intense, and gloriously alive film that offers both thrilling action and emotional depth. The introduction of the Lycan Queen, combined with Selene’s emotional turmoil, creates a powerful narrative that is as much about internal conflict as it is about the external war.
With stunning visuals, fierce performances, and an evolving storyline, this film does not merely continue the saga—it reinvents it. The night belongs to the queen now, and in this new chapter, Underworld is as captivating as ever.
Rating: 9.7/10 – Dark, intense, and gloriously alive.
