The film "Universal Soldier": hidden details and behind-the-scenes facts that many viewers missed (15 photos)

In 1992, the film “Universal Soldier” was released, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren.





Roland Emmerich, the director of the film, was helped to build a dizzying career by “Unisol”.

I offer you a selection of interesting details and behind-the-scenes facts that many viewers missed when getting to know “Universal Soldier”.

“Don’t want to cooperate? Yes, please!”



The role of the film's director could have gone to Andrew Davis, but due to creative differences with the producers, Davis was forced to leave the project.

Under the pressure of circumstances, Andrew Davis continued to do what he loved. In 1992, the action film "Under Siege" was released, and in 1993, the detective thriller "The Fugitive" was released. Both films achieved tremendous success at the box office.

“I’ve been drawn to science fiction since childhood”





The director’s chair eventually went to Roland Emmerich.

By the way, the film “Escape into the Universe” (1984), which Emmerich shot as his graduation work, became the most expensive student film in the history of Germany.

The opening of the 34th Berlin International Film Festival began with a screening of “Escape into the Universe”.

“I had a great idea, didn’t I?”



Ross LaManna was the first to write the script for the film. He also came up with the title – “Crystal Knights”.

Ross’s ideas were not well received by his colleagues, so they soon stopped working with him.

A few years later, in 1998, the comedy action film “Rush Hour” conquered cinemas. Ross LaManna co-wrote the script, along with Jim Kouf.

“Dean, what else can we come up with?”



Dean Devlin worked with Richard Rothstein and Christopher Leitch on the script for Universal Soldier.

Dean and Roland Emmerich later wrote the screenplays for Stargate (1994), Independence Day (1996), and Godzilla (1998). All films were commercially successful.

“Patriots to the core”



According to the plot, as part of a secret US government program, dead soldiers were “resurrected” and then used in the fight against terrorists.

It is noteworthy that a Belgian, a Swede, and a German were chosen to become “patriotic fighters.”

“Your track record is impressive, gentlemen”



Before starring in “Universal Soldier,” Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren had already starred in cool films like “Double Impact,” “Kickboxer,” “Rocky IV,” and “Masters of the Universe.”

Both actors gave it 200% in “Unisol.”

“Sorry, Sly, but I’ll hold off”



German bodybuilder and film actor Ralf Moeller, who played GR74 in “Universal Soldier,” went on to portray many brutal characters on screen, including Brackus (“Best of the Best 2”), Hagen (“Gladiator”), and Torak (“The Scorpion King”).

It’s worth noting that in 1992, Sylvester Stallone offered Moeller the role of villain Simon Phoenix in the film “Demolition Man,” but Ralf refused.

“But the terrorists aren’t real!”



In the original version of the script, it was the Unisols who took people hostage at the dam.

With the help of fake terrorists, the military staged a performance for the camera in order to both remove responsibility for what happened from themselves and to demonstrate the potential of the universal soldiers once again.

“Which of us is Superman?”



The film has plenty of action scenes and stunts, which were staged by Vic Armstrong.

At the time, thanks to Vic, now a legendary British stuntman, actors Christopher Reeve (Superman) and Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones) did not have to perform dangerous stunts themselves.

“Destiny Will Come Unexpectedly”



When filming “Universal Soldier,” Dolph Lundgren met his future wife, Anette Qviberg.

Anette gave Dolph two beautiful daughters.

“The script is missing a T-800”



Arnold Schwarzenegger couldn't ignore the filming of "Unisol".

One day, the actor came to visit the set.

"Which ending is better?"



It was originally planned that Luc Devereaux (GR44) and Andrew Scott (GR13) would end up in a trap set by the military in the finale of the film.

The filmmakers later decided to abandon this idea, but the alternative ending was still included in the “Special Edition” (DVD).

“Luke Devereaux VS Andrew Scott”



During the Cannes Film Festival, where the premiere of “Universal Soldier” took place, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren had a verbal altercation. According to eyewitnesses, the “exchange of pleasantries” almost escalated into a fight.

Years later, it turned out that this was a set-up. JCVD ​​talked Dolph into it, and the actors played to the crowd to stir up interest in the film.

“We have a strong team!”



With a budget of twenty-three million dollars, the film grossed ninety-five million worldwide.