"Universal Soldier: Regeneration" is a science fiction action film released in 2009, directed by John Hyams. It serves as a direct sequel to the original 1992 film "Universal Soldier" and ignores the events of the previous sequels, including "Universal Soldier: The Return" (1999). The movie stars Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren reprising their roles from the original film, along with Andrei Arlovski, who plays a new UniSol.
In "Universal Soldier: Regeneration," a terrorist group takes over the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and holds the area hostage. The government responds by reactivating the UniSols, including Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme), to take down the terrorists. The plot introduces a new generation of enhanced soldiers, with one, played by MMA fighter Andrei Arlovski, going rogue.
The film received more positive reviews compared to its predecessor, with praise for its gritty tone, intense action sequences, and the return of Van Damme and Lundgren to their iconic roles. "Universal Soldier: Regeneration" aimed to bring a more serious and darker tone to the franchise, and many fans and critics appreciated the effort to return to the roots of the original film.
Overall, "Universal Soldier: Regeneration" marked a departure from the tone of "Universal Soldier: The Return" and reinvigorated interest in the franchise. It was followed by additional direct-to-video sequels, including "Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning" (2012).