Underworld: Awakening is a 2012 American action horror film directed by Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein from a screenplay by Len Wiseman, John Hlavin, J. Michael Straczynski, and Allison Burnett, based on a story by Wiseman and Hlavin. It is the direct sequel to Underworld: Evolution (2006) and the fourth installment in the Underworld film series. The film stars Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy, Theo James, India Eisley, and Charles Dance. Principal photography began in March 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[4] Underworld: Awakening premiered at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California on January 18, 2012, and was released in the United States on January 20, by Sony Pictures Releasing.[5] The film received generally negative reviews from critics but was the highest grossing film in the Underworld film series, grossed over $160 million worldwide against a production budget of $70 million. The film was followed by Underworld: Blood Wars in 2016.