Writer John Hlavin has been around the block. He’s written several episodes of The Shield, the incredibly popular FX show, and episodes of Trust Me, the recently canceled TNT drama. But none of that will compare with the watchful eyes that will be upon his next project, as he signs on to pen the fourth installment in the Underworld franchise for Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment.

The fourth film — which still does not have a director attached — is “not a prequel,” says Hlavin, who according to Heat Vision is keeping the plot under wraps. “It will satisfy old fans and excite new audiences,” he added. “Meaning that we don’t want to redo the first three movies, so steps are being taken to honor what fans have loved but at the same time introduce fresh elements.”

Original Underworld star Kate Beckinsale did not return for the third film, which starred Rhona Mitra and Michael Sheen, and there’s no reason for us to expect her back for the fourth. No word yet on the involvement of her husband Len Wiseman, who served as director on the first two and producer on the third, but it is also likely that he will not have much of an active role, as he’s currently busy with about 20 other projects. As well, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans director has two films currently in development, I, Frankenstein and Nonstop, so it is difficult to speculate whether or not he would return for another round.

As always, we will keep you updated as the story develops.