Who wrote universal soldier?

Who Wrote Universal Soldier?

The 1992 action film "Universal Soldier" directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, and Ally Walker, is a classic of the genre. But who wrote the screenplay for this iconic movie? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the film and uncover the identity of the writers behind the script.

The Origins of Universal Soldier

The concept of "Universal Soldier" dates back to the 1970s, when American writer and producer Christopher Leitch developed the idea of a film about a group of soldiers who are killed in action and then reanimated as super-soldiers. Leitch pitched the project to various studios, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s that the script was finally greenlit by Carolco Pictures.

The Writing Team

The screenplay for "Universal Soldier" was written by Richard Rothstein, Dean Devlin, and Roland Emmerich. Rothstein, a veteran screenwriter, had previously worked on films such as "Beverly Hills Cop" and "The Running Man". Devlin, on the other hand, was a relatively new writer at the time, having worked on a few low-budget films. Emmerich, the director of the film, was also credited as a writer, as he had a significant amount of input on the script.

The Story Behind the Script

The screenplay for "Universal Soldier" was heavily influenced by the 1970s science fiction and action films, such as "The Terminator" and "RoboCop". The story follows two soldiers, Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme) and Andrew Scott (Dolph Lundgren), who are killed in action and then reanimated as super-soldiers. The soldiers are programmed to be unstoppable killing machines, but as they begin to regain their human memories, they start to question their mission and the true nature of their existence.

Key Elements of the Script

Here are some key elements of the script that contributed to the film’s success:

• The concept of the "Universal Soldier": The idea of a soldier who can be reanimated and reprogrammed was a fresh take on the traditional action hero.
• The contrast between the two main characters: The film’s success was largely due to the contrast between the two main characters, Luc Deveraux and Andrew Scott. Luc is a charming and charismatic character, while Andrew is a brutal and ruthless one.
• The themes of identity and humanity: The film explores themes of identity and humanity, as the soldiers begin to question their existence and the true nature of their mission.

The Film’s Impact

"Universal Soldier" was a commercial success, grossing over $65 million worldwide. The film’s success can be attributed to its unique concept, memorable characters, and themes that resonated with audiences. The film also spawned a successful franchise, with four sequels and a television series.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the screenplay for "Universal Soldier" was written by Richard Rothstein, Dean Devlin, and Roland Emmerich. The film’s success was largely due to its unique concept, memorable characters, and themes that resonated with audiences. The screenplay’s influence can be seen in many subsequent action films, and the film remains a classic of the genre.

Table: Writing Credits

Bullets List: Key Elements of the Script

• The concept of the "Universal Soldier"
• The contrast between the two main characters
• The themes of identity and humanity