Underworld: Awakening' Trailer: A Whole New Supernatural World (Video)

The world has changed since Kate Beckinsale last starred in an "Underworld" flick, and now it's time for her to catch up with "Underworld: Awakening."

It may have only been five years since "Underworld: Evolution" hit theaters, but on the big screen 12 years have passed. The newly released trailer for "Underworld: Awakening" says that Selene has been held captive for more than a decade, though she has now escaped to wreak havoc on the world. The problem is that, in this world, humans hunt vampires and lycans, making this a "new war" as she says.

But something else has been released as well, adding an extra layer to the plot. And, as Selene asks, where is her former flame Michael?

Unfortunately Scott Speedman, who played Michael Corvin in the first two "Underworld" films, isn't in "Awakening," but I have a gut feeling that he is related to the creature unleashed in some way. Either way, something wicked this way comes.

There aren't many familiar faces in "Underworld: Awakening," though it does include the additions of "V for Vendetta" star Stephen Rea, "Game of Thrones" actor Charles Dance and the reliably awesome Michael Ealy of "Sleeper Cell" fame. The "Underworld" franchise is clearly trying to branch off in a different direction with this movie, and I'm interested to see how well it succeeds when it hits theaters July 20, 2012.

What did you think of the "Underworld: Awakening" trailer? Are you excited for Kate Beckinsale's return? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!