John Hyams talks Universal Soldier 4: A New Dimension!

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

I was a big fan of UNIVERSAL SOLDIER 3: REGENERATION and since the same motley crew is behind the next installment UNIVERSAL SOLDIER 4: A NEW DIMENSION, I am jacked for it as well.  It will once again star JEAN CLAUDE VAN DAMME and DOLPH LUNDGREN while adding martial arts expert SCOTT ADKINS to the testosterone mix (NOTE: No MICHAEL JAI WHITE in this one btw, that was a rumor). Anyways director JOHN HYAMS recently took to the film’s FB page to talk macho shop; here’s what he had to say:

“I spent a good part of today working with production designer Nate Jones, discussing design concepts for US4. Unlike US3, which was basically a location shoot, this one will involve a number of sets to be built, due to size of the 3D rigs, that call for larger spaces and removable walls. This allows us to design the sets to fit the action, instead of the other way around, which is nice. Still, this one will be an incredible challenge — to shoot this amount of action in 3D on a tight schedule will require great preparation. We don’t have the luxury of figuring things out on the set. Everyone will have to be extremely prepared.

Stylistically, I’m planning on staging some action that plays out in long takes, where things transpire without cuts. In many ways, it’s not just an action film — it has horror elements, and also plays like a psychological thriller. It has a very dark, menacing tone. I want it to be an extremely intense experience for the viewer — one that literally beats the shit out of the audience.

As far as 3D is concerned, I still feel like Avatar did it better than anyone else, and it’s not just because of the big budget. I feel like Cameron used 3D to make the experience more visceral, but he did it without gimmickry. Instead of having things pop out at the viewer, he created an environment that you could look into. I plan on taking that approach — no gimmicks, no arrows flying at the camera. I want it to be another element of the overall design — something that enhances the experience but doesn’t draw attention to itself and take away from the story.”

I’ve been extremely busy preparing for the shoot. But, yes, Scott Adkins is one of the stars of the film, and I feel we’re incredibly lucky to have him at this stage of his career. Andrei is back as well in a role we wrote specifically for him, and I’m equally excited to have him. I loved what he did in Regeneration, and I wanted to work with him again. None of this diminishes JC or DL’s contributions to the film — I feel these guys will only enhance the product as a whole, which is all I care about. The story is of my own creation, and, as I’ve told you before, in no way was dictated by anyone’s schedule. It’s the story I want to tell and it’s designed to move, terrify and thrill the audience in the most intense way possible. I think it’s going to be great and I’m unbelievably excited to work with everyone involved.”

There ya have it! BRING IT!