Five years after "Underworld: Awakening," Kate Beckinsale returns in "Underworld: Blood Wars" as the death-dealing Vampire assassin who is, once again, caught between two menacing worlds. Judging from the first trailer just released by Sony Pictures, it seems the vampires are losing the war against the Lycans and must face a new, more determined leader, played by Tobias Menzies.

The trailer begins with scenes from the previous "Underworld" films, reminding fans just how good the action-horror franchise can be, with gothic horsemen, hybrid Vampire-Lycans, and the inimitable Michael Sheen as Lucian. With more Vampire decadence, innovative weaponry and vicious blood-spilling, fans are given a taste of exactly what keeps bringing them back to the "Underworld" storyline.

Devotees will not doubt also be glad to see that Charles Dance and James Faulkner return as the vampire "elders" and Theo James reprises his "Underworld: Awakening" role as David.

Directed by Anna Foerster, "Underworld: Blood Wars" also stars Trent Garrett, Lara Pulver and Bradley James. The film opens Jan. 6, 2017.

The next installment in the blockbuster franchise, UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS follows Vampire death dealer, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) as she fends off brutal attacks from both the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her. With her only allies, David (Theo James) and his father Thomas (Charles Dance), she must stop the eternal war between Lycans and Vampires, even if it means she has to make the ultimate sacrifice.