In the realm of Hollywood’s supernatural thrillers, Kate Beckinsale has created a reputation for herself as a formidable vampire hunter, following her popular Underworld film series. Her portrayal as Selene, the leather-clad, guns-blazing heroine thereafter garnered her a dedicated fan base and solidified her status as an action star, in Hollywood.
However, despite her success in the genre, Kate Beckinsale recalled her hesitations, when offered the role of Anna Valerious, in Hugh Jackman’s 2004 action horror Van Helsing. Although the actress wasn’t hired to play a vampire in Jackman’s movie, her initial reaction to joining the cast was less than enthusiastic.
Kate Beckinsale was Hesitant to Star in Hugh Jackman’s Van Helsing
Hollywood has successfully created a massive fanbase out of the vampire genre, following a few of the most incredible and cult classic projects like the Twilight saga and the Underworld film series. Bathing in that very popularity, emerged Kate Beckinsale, widely recognized for her iconic portrayal of vampire hunter Selene in the Underworld franchise.
But surprisingly, despite the supernatural vampire genre catapulting her to fame, Kate Beckinsale recalled having initial reservations towards it, when she was cast in Hugh Jackman’s 2004 Dracula movie Van Helsing. Speaking with Blackfilm, alongside Jackman, Beckinsale opened up about her reluctance towards the role.
I was so surprised to do any vampire movies at all because I’m not into them at all. When I first got sent the script for Underworld I didn’t even want to read it. I’m doing so many press junkets that people secretly think differently.
I remember when I got the script for [Van Helsing] even though it had vampires and werewolves in it, my character was so different because first of all, I’m not a vampire myself. She’s a gypsy, passionate and human. It just seemed like a different role. I don’t have a big career plan so I like to see how things turn out. I want to keep going in different directions.
Initially believing that she might have to play a vampire once again, Kate Beckinsale admitted harboring second thoughts about her role. But above all, perhaps Beckinsale was scared of getting typecast and bound to the genre’s expectations after her 2003 Underworld movie propelled her to stardom.
Realizing how Hollywood works according to fans’ demands, when in 2004 Beckinsale got the offer to star in Hugh Jackman’s movie, which belonged to a similar genre, the actress confessed to being reluctant about it.
Kate Beckinsale Eventually Recognized the Potential for Van Helsing
Fans have often come to associate Kate Beckinsale with the vampire-hunting protagonist she expertly brought to life in the Underworld franchise. Therefore, when the actress expressed her reservations about taking on the role in Hugh Jackman‘s Van Helsing, it came as a surprise to many.
Despite her initial hesitance, after learning about her character, who wasn’t a vampire unlike her Underworld protagonist, Kate Beckinsale eventually broadened her acting horizons by accepting the role. The actress thereafter portrayed Anna Valerious, who was a sidekick to Hugh Jackman‘s Van Helsing in Stephen Sommers-directed horror flick.
Kate Beckinsale added depth to the film’s narrative as Anna Valerious, a character caught in a centuries-old battle against Dracula and other creatures of the night. Showcasing her versatility beyond the confines of her iconic role in Underworld films, Beckinsale reached new audiences. The movie, thereafter became a bold venture into the supernatural realm, combining action-packed sequences with gothic horror elements.
Van Helsing is available on Peacock
Underworld films are available on Apple TV.
