Kate Beckinsale's Age During Underworld Production
Kate Beckinsale was born on July 26, 1973, making her 29 years old when principal photography for the first Underworld film began in 2002. The movie was released in 2003, so she was 29 during filming and 30 at the time of theatrical release. Production took place primarily in Budapest, Hungary, with principal photography wrapping in early 2002. The project was developed by Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment, with Len Wiseman directing from a script by Kevin Grevioux, Danny McBride, and Shane Salerno. Forbes covered the film's release and Beckinsale's casting.
The first Underworld film grossed over $95 million worldwide against a reported budget of $22 million. Beckinsale portrayed Selene, a vampire Deathwalker and elite warrior, a role that became her most iconic action character. Her age during filming placed her in the late 20s, a period when she had already appeared in films like Shakespeare in Love and Brokedown Palace. The movie's success established her as a leading action star and launched a long-running franchise. Box Office Mojo provides the film's worldwide gross data.
Underworld Franchise Timeline and Beckinsale's Age Progression
Underworld Sequels and Beckinsale's Age
Underworld: Evolution, released in 2006, was filmed in 2005 when Beckinsale was 31 years old. The sequel grossed $118 million worldwide and continued the Selene storyline. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, a prequel released in 2009, was filmed in 2008 with Beckinsale at age 34, though she only appeared in a limited capacity. Underworld: Awakening, released in 2012, was filmed in 2011 when she was 37 years old. IMDb lists the production timeline for Awakening.
Underworld: Blood Wars and Later Appearances
Underworld: Blood Wars, released in 2016, was filmed in 2015 when Beckinsale was 41 years old. She returned as Selene in this installment, which grossed $81 million worldwide. In 2023, Beckinsale confirmed she would not be returning for any future Underworld projects, stating the franchise had run its course with her involvement. Her age across the five-film series spans from 29 during the first film's production to 41 during Blood Wars. Deadline reported her decision to step away from the role.
Key Facts About Kate Beckinsale and Underworld
Production Details and Casting
Len Wiseman cast Beckinsale as Selene after she impressed him during auditions in early 2001. She trained extensively in martial arts and firearms handling to prepare for the role. The film's visual style drew heavily from Hong Kong action cinema and gothic horror aesthetics. Lakeshore Entertainment produced the film, and Sony Pictures Releasing distributed it theatric