Although the vampire Selene is often UnderworldMichael Sheen’s main protagonist, Lucian, is a compelling and formidable character who is severely underrated. In the dark urban fantasy franchise, which pits vampires against werewolves, Sheen appeared in Underworld (2003) and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009). Despite their thrilling, high-octane fight sequences and impressive special effects, neither film was a critical success. On Rotten Tomatoes, Underworld holds a score of 31%, with Rise of the Lycans by 30%. Still, Sheen has never been accused of phoning in during a performance, and his portrayal of Lucian is no exception.
Sheen’s TV and film career has given him an eclectic range of roles to work on. His performances in acclaimed films such as The queen and Frost/Nixon were praised by critics, as was his role as Dr. William Masters in the TV series Masters of Sex. In recent years, many know him as the angel Aziraphale of Good omens, the series based on the bestselling novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. With its growing fan base thanks to Good omens, more people should re-examine Sheen on Underworld filmsand I advocate that he do more dark fantasies.
Sheen is scary and likable as Lucian in Underworld
The werewolf leader is actually an antihero with a tragic backstory
The first Underworld The film introduces the world of Lycans and vampires, two races that have been secretly at war for centuries. The Lycans are a vicious race of werewolves, and Sheen’s Lucian is their terrifying leader. Vampires believed that Lucian had died centuries ago, supposedly defeated by the vampire leader, Viktor. It turns out that Lucian is hiding, biding his time and gathering his troops for the final attack against the enemy. When Selene discovers the truth, she tries to rally the other vampires to her cause, but Lucian’s savagery is unchecked.
It turns out that the vampires are actually the bad guys, a fact that isn’t revealed until the third act. Lucian tells Selene the true story of what started the war – how he fell in love with Viktor’s daughter, a vampire, and Viktor killed her for it.. Sheen seamlessly transitions from brutal killer to tragic romantic hero as Lucian, making him a sympathetic character with his earnest performance. With werewolves often portrayed as bloodthirsty and savage, Sheen does an excellent job of giving the Lycan leader some depth and depth.
Sheen proved his talent as a protagonist in Rise Of The Lycans
He’s a tragic hero and an action star
The prequel film Underworld: Rise of the Lycans takes viewers back to the beginning of the war between vampires and Lycan. Sheen once again plays Lucian, this time as the protagonist. Set during the Middle Ages, vampires are the lords of the land and have enslaved the Lycans. When it is discovered that Lucian’s forbidden affair with the vampire Sonja resulted in a pregnancy, Viktor sentences her to death by sunlight. while Lucian is forced to watch. Devastated by the tragic loss of the woman he loves, Lucian frees himself from his tormentors and calls on the other Lycans to rebel against their masters.
Not only is it Rise of the Lycans a fascinating werewolf and dark fantasy film with lots of emotions, but also shows Sheen’s enormous talent and ability to take on any type of character. On average, Sheen mainly played well-defined characters with a certain sophistication. In this film, however, he proves he’s not afraid to get dirty while swinging a sword. Like Lucian, Sheen is an action star, a tragic hero, and a romantic lead. His intensity and drive shine through in every scene, proving he was made for the role.
Sheen’s work on Twilight also makes a case for him returning to darker fantasy
The actor steals the show as Volturi leader, Aro
Yet Further evidence that Sheen is perfect for the dark fantasy genre is his role as Aro in the Twilight Saga. Appearing in films New Moon and Dawn – Part 1 and 2Sheen’s portrayal of the mad Greek vampire is one of his most memorable. As leader of the Volturi, Aro is a manipulative, power-hungry ruler who seeks to bring Bella, Edward, and Alice into the fold, but only to secure his own position. When Bella gives birth to a half-vampire child, Renesmee, Aro feels threatened by the newborn’s existence and tries to destroy her.
There is a story that Dusk author Stephanie Meyer told Sheen and New moon director Chris Weitz that she intended Aro’s character to look like “a little crazy.” If true, then Sheen took Meyer’s notes to heart when playing him. He managed to make Aro’s childish giddiness both funny and terrifying, while emphasizing the vampire’s frightening ambition and uncontrollable desire for power. With these observations in mind, Michael SheenDark’s talent for dark fantasy is clear, and fans of both Underworld and Dusk I can only hope he revisits the subgenre more often.