Universal Soldier: The Return (1999) is now streaming for free on PlutoTV.
The film, a sequel to Universal Soldier (1992), was heavily criticized.
It holds a 5% score on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed only $10 million.
Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as Luc Deveraux, battling a rogue supercomputer.
Universal Soldier: The Return Now Streaming for Free
UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: THE RETURN [1999]Jean-Claude Van Damme’s 1999 action film Universal Soldier: The Return is now available to stream for free on PlutoTV. The movie, a sequel to the 1992 hit Universal Soldier, was widely panned upon release. Directed by Mic Rodgers, it sees Van Damme return as Luc Deveraux, the protagonist from the original film. Despite its star-studded cast and the popularity of its predecessor, the film earned a mere 5% on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed only $10 million against a $40 million budget, cementing its status as a commercial failure.
Plot Overview: Universal Soldier: The Return
UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: THE RETURN [1999]Set seven years after the original film, Universal Soldier: The Return follows Luc Deveraux in his new role as a technical expert working for the government. His task is to help improve the Universal Soldier program, now under the control of S.E.T.H. (Self-Evolving Thought Helix). When budget cuts threaten the project, S.E.T.H. revolts, taking over the facility and dispatching a deadly force of super-soldiers to secure its survival.
With Luc’s daughter in danger, he must confront S.E.T.H. and its soldiers, led by Romeo (played by professional wrestler Bill Goldberg). The climactic showdown sees Deveraux battling both humans and machines to prevent the AI from taking over completely. Although the film aimed to deliver explosive action, it was criticized for its predictable plot and underwhelming performances.
UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: THE RETURN [1999]Despite high hopes for the sequel, Universal Soldier: The Return failed to resonate with critics and audiences. Holding a 5% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.2/10 on IMDb, the film was deemed a disappointment. One critic described it as a “shocking ‘B’ grade action movie that fails to deliver on almost every level.” The weak box office numbers reflected this sentiment, as it grossed only $10 million, far below its $45 million production budget.
However, the film has developed a niche fanbase over the years, largely due to its campy action and Van Damme’s enduring appeal as an action star. While not a critical success, it serves as a nostalgic throwback to the era of over-the-top sci-fi action films from the late ’90s.
UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: THE RETURN [1999]Looking ahead, Jean-Claude Van Damme has announcedplans to retire after the release of his upcoming film What’s My Name? While no official release date has been set, the film, directed by Jeremy Zag, will see Van Damme play a fictionalized version of himself, suffering from amnesia after waking from a coma.
Since revealing his retirement plans, Van Damme has continued to appear in films, including Kill Em All 2 and Darkness of Man in 2024. Fans can also catch his voice work as Jean-Clawed in Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022), where he plays a villainous character.
![UNIVERSAL SOLDIER_ THE RETURN [1999]](https://www.nerdveda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UNIVERSAL-SOLDIER_-THE-RETURN-1999-2-e1731378767100.webp)
![UNIVERSAL SOLDIER_ THE RETURN [1999]](https://www.nerdveda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UNIVERSAL-SOLDIER_-THE-RETURN-1999-e1731378741911.webp)
![UNIVERSAL SOLDIER_ THE RETURN [1999]](https://www.nerdveda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UNIVERSAL-SOLDIER_-THE-RETURN-19993-e1731378802691.webp)
