Synopsis

Luc Deveraux, once a Universal Soldier but now human, helps develop a new generation of cybernetic combat units controlled by S.E.T.H., an artificial intelligence. When the military decides to shut down the project, S.E.T.H. takes human form, turns the soldiers against their creators, and kidnaps Luc's daughter. Luc must stop the rogue machine before the program becomes an unstoppable weapon.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was released theatrically in the United States on August 20, 1999, and runs approximately 83 minutes.

• Filming took place from November 10, 1998, to February 11, 1999. Locations included Waxahachie and Dallas, Texas, as well as Georgetown, Ontario and Caddo Lake.

• The production had an estimated budget of $45 million but earned approximately $10.7 million worldwide, making it a significant commercial disappointment.

• Romeo was originally intended for professional wrestler "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. After his agent turned down the offer without informing him, the role went to WCW wrestler Bill Goldberg.

• The movie ignores the two television sequels, Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms and Universal Soldier III: Unfinished Business, and continues directly from the 1992 theatrical film.

• Michael Jai White appears in both theatrical films, but in different roles. He played a Vietnam-era soldier in the original and the supercomputer-controlled S.E.T.H. in The Return.

• Later installments, including Universal Soldier: Regeneration, disregard the events of The Return, leaving it as a separate continuity within the franchise.