Fang-tastic news for Underworld fans. Yes, I said fang-tastic. I can’t help it. I get giddy at the mere thought of Kate Beckinsale in form-fitting leather. The gorgeous Brit has not yet officially signed on to star in Screen Gems’ Underworld 4, but the flick’s newly appointed writer John Hlavin (“The Shield”) confirms that the new chapter in the blockbuster series won’t be a prequel (hence, keeping hope alive for Beckinsale’s return).

Vampire Layer

In addition, Hlavin had this to say:

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 honor what fans have loved but at the same time introduce fresh elements.

Beckinsale hasn’t been faring too well at the box office lately. Her Antarctica set thriller Whiteout got the cold shoulder from moviegoers and her role in the upcoming Robert De Niro headlined family drama Everybody’s Fine looks about as exciting as a plate of brussel sprouts. Here’s hoping her peeps convince her to return to the franchise and that Hlavin writes in plenty of ass-hugging rubber outfits for her to wear … you know, to better fight werewolves.