Theo James is returning to the “Underworld” franchise, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
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The “Divergent” star will reprise his role in the fifth installment of Lakeshore Entertainment’s popular vampire vs. werewolves series of films, which began in a 2003 film anchored by Kate Beckinsale.
James previously starred as a vampire named David in 2012’s “Underworld: Awakening” and the production company is exercising an option in the multi-year contract he signed before that movie was released. James is said to be starring opposite two female leads, but casting is still underway.
The 29-year-old actor will also star alongside Woodley in the films’ sequels, “Insurgent” — which has already finished shooting — and “Allegiant Part 1” and “Part 2.”
Cory Goodman will write the script for the upcoming action-horror film, with Lakeshore Entertainment’s Tom Rosenberg and Gary Lucchesi producing.
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As TheWrap previously reported, “Undeworld: Awakening” opened to a surprisingly strong box office paving the way for another installment in the series. But James didn’t become a household name until appearing alongside Shailene Woodley in “Divergent,” the 2014 adaptation of Veronica Roth‘s best-selling young adult novel. It earned over $270 million worldwide.
WME and Markham, Froggatt and Irwin represent James.
Linda Ge contributed to this report.