'Shield' writer to pen 'Underworld 4'

The Shield writer John Hlavin has signed on to pen the screenplay for the fourth Underworld movie.

The screenwriter said that the forthcoming film will not be a prequel like the recent Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"It will satisfy old fans and excite new audiences, meaning that we don't want to redo the first three movies, so steps are being taken to honour what fans have loved but at the same time introduce fresh elements," he stated.

Len Wiseman, who directed the first two Underworld films, is producing the picture. Wiseman's wife Kate Beckinsale starred in the first two thrillers, though she has not cut a deal to return to the series.