Vampire Hunters

Steely-eyed and focused on revenge, she hunts the lie that cost her everything.

In the Underworld franchise, the term 'Vampire Hunter' primarily refers to Selene, an elite vampire assassin known as a Death Dealer who hunts Lycans. Created by Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman, and Danny McBride, she is portrayed by Kate Beckinsale. Born in the late 14th century, Selene was a normal child until Viktor murdered her family when she was a young girl. Tricked into believing Lycans were responsible, she dedicated six centuries to avenging them as one of Viktor's most loyal and powerful Death Dealers. Her journey shifts from blind vengeance to uncovering the truth about her sire, leading her to defect from the Vampire Clan.

Quick Facts

Primary affiliation: Vampire Clan (Death Dealer)

Lore & Background

Selene was born in Hungary to a stone mason father and mother. As a child, her family helped build a prison for Viktor's fortress. Years later, on the same night Lucian escaped captivity, Viktor killed everyone involved in the prison's construction to hide William's location. That night, he slaughtered Selene's entire family one by one but spared her, later telling Kraven he 'could not bear the thought of draining [her] dry' because she reminded him of his precious daughter. Tricked into believing Lycans were responsible for their gruesome deaths, a traumatized orphan Selene spent over six centuries hunting them. As a Death Dealer, she isolated herself from hedonistic vampires, viewing her duty as 'sacred'. She was sired personally by Viktor, whom she viewed as a surrogate father until discovering he was the true murderer.

Reader's Guide

Selene is described as 'steely-eyed' with extreme intelligence and sharp intuition, trusting almost no one. She possesses a passion for truth laced with vengeance, which traps her in a violent purpose. Her personality is headstrong; she refuses to back down even when it endangers her life. While she maintains a stoic, near-impervious exterior after centuries of discipline, cracks appear regarding those she loves. She does not fit in with the Coven's self-gratification, preferring to dedicate every waking hour to hunting Lycans. Kraven, who fancied himself her suitor, called her too serious about 'warrior business,' while Selene dismissed him as a 'pig, a coward and an insufferable egotist.' She rejects his advances publicly and privately. Her daughter once mistook her cold demeanor for being 'dead,' but Selene clarified that her heart was not cold, only broken by Michael's disappearance.

Did You Know?

At the time of her family's murder, Selene was a child, not a young woman; the massacre included young children, an event that traumatized her for centuries.
Prior to meeting Michael Corvin, Selene had never been in love; her few physical encounters were driven by curiosity and loneliness rather than lust.
Selene is approximately six centuries old during the events of the first film.
In Underworld: Awakening, Selene used silver gas explosives on every floor of a building to lure Lycan security into a trap while rescuing her daughter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Vampire Hunter in Underworld?

The Vampire Hunter is Selene, a Death Dealer and elite vampire assassin portrayed by Kate Beckinsale. She was forged by Viktor into a weapon after he manipulated her into believing Lycans were responsible for the murder of her human family, binding her to centuries of targeted killing.

What are the Vampire Hunter's powers and combat role?

Selene possesses superhuman speed, strength, and durability that place her far above a standard vampire, making her a one-woman siege engine in close-quarters and ranged combat. Within the clan she functions as a precision assassin, though her true targets shift over time from Lycans to Viktor and other corrupt Coven members.

What weapons does the Vampire Hunter use?

Selene blends medieval and modern arsenals, relying on twin swords, a variety of firearms, and specialized silver gas explosives to take down Lycans and rival vampires. This hybrid toolkit reflects her six-century span of combat experience, from hand-to-hand duels to tactical urban warfare.