Kate Beckinsale set for 'Underworld 4'

LOS ANGELES  - Kate Beckinsale is returning to the world of vampires and werewolves, closing a deal to reprise her role as vampire heroine Selene in the fourth installment of the "Underworld" movie series after skipping the third one last year.

A search for a director is currently under way, as well as an actress to portray Selene's daughter. Production on the Lakeshore/Screen Gems project is set to start next March in Vancouver.

The first "Underworld," released in 2003, launched a profitable franchise that has grossed more than $300 million worldwide, with the movies each costing less than $35 million to make.

The British actress returned for the sequel, 2006's "Underworld: Evolution," but did not take part in 2009's "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans," which starred Rhona Mitra.