Apple has just released the trailer for the upcoming threequel, Underworld 3: The Rise of the Lycans, which is set for release on January 23, 2009. The film stars Rhona Mitra, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy and Kevin Grevioux. Check out the new trailer below.

This prequel story traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires known as Death Dealers and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor, the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja, in his battle against the Death Dealer army and his struggle for Lycan freedom.

FX artist Patrick Tatopoulos, who developed the creatures for the first two films, is directing.