Lycan Dens

The origin story of the first Lycan and the spark that ignited centuries of war between vampires and Lycans.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) reveals the origins of the war between vampires and Lycans, focusing on Lucian, the first Lycan capable of taking human form. Directed by Patrick Tatopoulos from a screenplay by Danny McBride, Dirk Blackman, and Howard McCain, this prequel to Underworld (2003) explores how Viktor, a vampire elder, raises Lucian as a slave to guard his coven during the day. The narrative details the forbidden love between Lucian and Sonja, Viktor's daughter, which sparks a rebellion. While Kate Beckinsale appears briefly at the end, the film primarily chronicles the events leading to the first major uprising of the Lycans against their vampire oppressors.

Quick Facts

First appearance: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Director: Patrick Tatopoulos
Released: January 23, 2009

Lore & Background

Centuries prior to the film's main timeline, a war began between vampire legions and the Lycans, following Lucian's rebellion against his vampire masters. Lucian emerged as the first of his kind capable of assuming human shape, raised by Elder Viktor to serve as a slave guarding the fortress during daylight hours. The countryside was already overrun with savage werewolves born from William's rampage, prompting human nobles to beg Viktor for protection in exchange for silver tributes used to forge silver weapons against the werewolves.

As Lucian matured, he and Sonja began a secretive intimate relationship. When Lucian escaped his shackles to rescue Sonja from werewolves (William's offspring), Viktor punished him severely despite acknowledging the act of bravery. This event set the stage for the rebellion, as Lucian later liberated other Lycans and recruited human slaves to build a force against the vampires.

Reader's Guide

The film premiered at ArcLight Hollywood on January 22, 2009, with its US release following on January 23 by Sony Pictures Releasing. It grossed over $91 million globally against a $35 million budget but received generally negative reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes reported that only 29% of critics gave it positive reviews based on 76 entries, while Metacritic assigned an average score of 44. Despite the critical reception, audiences polled by CinemaScore awarded it a "B+" grade. The film stars Michael Sheen as Lucian, Bill Nighy as Viktor, and Rhona Mitra, with Kevin Grevioux also featured. It was followed in 2012 by Underworld: Awakening, which served as a direct sequel to Underworld: Evolution (2006), continuing the franchise's timeline.

Did You Know?

Michael Sheen's performance as Lucian was widely cited by critics like Joe Leydon and Manohla Dargis as the film's greatest asset.
The opening scene of the original Underworld (2003) is shown at the end, where Kraven reveals that Viktor killed Selene's family, not Lycans.
Viktor is killed by Selene in Underworld (2003) and does not survive.
The film opened at number 1 at the box office with $8.05 million and dropped to second place behind Paul Blart: Mall Cop in its second weekend.
Kate Beckinsale, who played Selene in previous films, appears only briefly at the very end of this prequel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Lycan Dens in the Underworld universe?

Lycan Dens are the hidden underground strongholds where Lycans are housed and controlled under vampire rule. They first become prominent in Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009), where Viktor keeps Lucian as a captive guard for his coven.

Who controls the Lycan Dens at the start of the saga?

Viktor, a vampire elder, holds authority over the dens and uses Lucian as a daytime guard for his coven. His daughter Sonja's relationship with Lucian ultimately shatters his grip on the Lycan population.

In which film do Lycan Dens first appear?

They are established in Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, released January 23, 2009, and directed by Patrick Tatopoulos. The film acts as a prequel to the original 2003 Underworld movie, tracing how the species war began.