It seems like forever ago, but there was a point in time where two of the biggest franchises in the action film genre were “Underworld” and “Blade.” Obviously, people are familiar with Marvel’s “Blade” franchise, which starred Wesley Snipes as the titular hero. However, let’s not forget Kate Beckinsale as the vampire Selene in the “Underworld” film series which spans five films from 2003 to 2016. And according to Beckinsale, there was an idea to continue both “Underworld” and “Blade” franchises in a new crossover film. However, it appears Marvel drove a wooden stake in the heart of that idea.
Speaking to Variety, as she promotes her new film, “Jolt,” Kate Beckinsale talked about the proposed “Underworld”/“Blade” crossover film idea and why it ultimately went nowhere.
READ MORE: ‘Blade’: Marvel’s Top Choice To Direct Is ‘Mogul Mowgli’ Filmmaker Bassam Tariq
“I really wanted them to do an ‘Underworld’-‘Blade’ mashup. What a duo that would be,” Beckinsale said. “I would definitely do that, but I think they just wanted to reboot ‘Blade’ as ‘Blade’ so they didn’t go for it.”
If you’re a diehard “Underworld” fan, you probably know Beckinsale has talked about a crossover film with her franchise and “Blade” for years now. Back at New York Comic-Con in 2016 (via Polygon), the actress revealed that a crossover was talked about but the folks at Marvel ultimately had other plans for the “Blade” film franchise.
“We had that idea,” she said. “They said no. They’re doing something else with Blade.”
Of course, we know now that the “something else” is a new reboot of the “Blade” franchise under the Marvel Studios banner with Mahershala Ali in the lead role. In fact, it was recently revealed that Bassam Tariq will likely helm the reboot. Obviously, unless the MCU wants to introduce the whole “Underworld” mythology to the world of the Avengers, a crossover seems impossible at this point or in the near future.
But for those that are fond of the late-‘90s, early-‘00s black leather-filled vampire action films, the idea of an “Underworld”/“Blade” crossover would have been the greatest gift in cinematic history. Instead, fans will have to just relive the glory days of the two franchises on Blu-ray.
If you want an immediate black leather vampire hunter fix, you can watch the trailers below: