Featurette for Underworld: Rise of the Lycans takes an in-depth look at how the memories from the first installment play into the story now. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is a 2009 American action horror film directed by Patrick Tatopoulos. It is the third installment in the Underworld franchise and a prequel to the 2003 film Underworld. The film focuses primarily on the origins of the characters and the events that lead up to the Vampireâ€"Lycan war. Sonja revolts against her own vampire clan when her father Viktor learns about her love affair with Lucian, who is one of the slaves of the bloodsucking race.