Kate Beckinsale is doing Underworld 3-D despite not wanting to?

What I liked best about AVATAR’s use of 3-D was how you could identify the contours of objects. The shape of things. Should the next installment in the Underworld series, UNDERWORLD 3-D, be anything like that, then at least we’ll have the luscious curves of Kate Beckinsale’s bangin’ bod to ogle behind those thick dorky glasses… right?

Bloody Disgusting, after having confirmed that Beckinsale will indeed be slipping back on the tight black leather, now has word that she’s apparently trying to get out of her deal, or at least, minimize her role.

Per Bloody Disgusting: “…sources tell us she’s trying to find a way out of the film — or at least have a smaller role in order to “pass the torch” to one of her kindred (yes, she has not one, but two daughters at this point). With a plan to release the film in theaters on January 21, 2011, production needs to commence soon.”

I’m not as well-versed in UNDERWORLD lore as the next dude, but will that mean they’re paving the way for a new breed of sexy werewolf-killing wenches? Hopefully! Because really, what else is this franchise offering us apart from the women (and Bill Nighy)?

According to Variety, Beckinsale’s husband Len Wiseman will be directing.

As noted above, UNDERWORLD 3-D is set to open January 21, 2011.