Variety is reporting that Underworld, which topped the box office last weekend with a take of over $22 million, will likely be the first film in a trilogy from Lakeshore Entertainment and Screen Gems.  But there may be some legal hurdles to clear first.  White Wolf has sued Sony/Screen Gems over the film, claiming 17 counts of copyright infringement from White Wolf's Vampire: The Masquerade and Werewolf: The Apocalypse RPGs.  In addition author Nancy Collins claims that the 'Romeo & Juliet-like' tale of love between feuding groups of monsters was lifted from her 1994 story, 'Love Of Monsters,' which was also published by White Wolf (see 'White Wolf & Nancy Collins Sue Sony'). 

The success of Underworld and Screen Gems' desire to put a sequel in production as quickly as possible could lead to a settlement, although these cases can drag on for years.  It is clear that Sony thinks this femme-centric monster movie has franchise potential.  In addition to the sequel, Variety is reporting that the producers are already planning a 'prequel,' which would extend the franchise to a trilogy.