All the Movies 1998’s Soldier Could be Connected to and Why

The motion picture Soldier starring Kurt Russell flew well enough below the radar when it was released in 1998, so much so that it isn't on many people’s watchlist, and its DVD most assuredly can be found at the bottom of the bargain bin at one’s local gas station. The critically panned box office bomb is chock full of solid action with a decent performance from Russell. But what sets this intriguing cinematic endeavor apart from other sci-fi duds of the ‘90s is the fact that this film could very well be linked to several different movies.

The narrative for Soldier follows Russell’s character Sergeant Todd “3465”, a highly skilled soldier trained since birth that is left for dead on a trash planet when a new genetically enhanced soldier is made available. On the planet, he then is befriended by refugees, and in return, he protects them from his former masters. While the Paul W.S. Anderson feature may seem like a pretty run-of-the-mill science fiction ordeal, there are many things that connect this story to other flicks, adding a fun aspect to the overall value of the experience the sci-fi action flick has to offer.

Blade Runner (1982)

The most talked-about connection is with Ridley Scott’s iconic feature, Blade Runner. The story for the 1982 film takes place in the year 2019, so it's not crazy to imagine that the 2036 setting from Soldier could very well take place in the same universe.

After all, disposable workforces and soldiers were significant plot points in both features, and Blade Runner did make note there were colonies off-world as well as the fact that most people live in less than ideal conditions. The two pictures do have similar aesthetics and viewpoints on how the future will go down.

As far as what connects the two, both features share the screenwriter David Webb Peoples, and the flying car known as the Spinner from Blade Runner can be seen in the wreckage on the planet. Also, Russell’s character Todd’s dossier includes battles mentioned by Rutger Hauer in Roy’s final speech at the end of the 1982 movie, specifically The battles of Tannhäuser Gate and Shoulder of Orion. While nothing has been set in stone, the evidence is pretty compelling.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn (1982)

The work history for Todd has more interesting coincidences listed that spark many people’s curiosity and furthermore argue the point that Soldier is potentially part of something bigger. Some of these include a connection to the 1982 sci-fi feature Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn.

It appears that during 3465 military service, the emotionless soldier was part of a few key excursions, including the Antares Maelstrom War, the War of Perdition’s Flames, and the battles of the Nubian Moons Campaign. These are all from The Wrath of Kahn, meaning somehow some way, whether it was through a black hole, time machine, inter-dimensional portal, or some really intense Holo-deck simulation, Todd was part of the Trek saga. While it seems confusing, there is evidence of a connection between Soldier and the Star Trek II.

Escape From New York (1981)

There are many other points of interest in Todd’s dossier, including references to other Russell films like The Thing, Captain Ron, Tango and Cash, and Stargate. While a seasoned debater could make the argument for their shared universe connection to Soldier, a few of these make more sense than others as being part of the Soldier Cinematic Universe. The post-apocalyptic set feature Escape From New York has a lot going for it that makes it a solid contender for Soldier-universe status.

The Plisskin medal featured is a direct reference to the 1981 motion picture where Russell plays ex-soldier Snake Plissken. Given what viewers see in Solider and in the hypothetical sequel Blade Runner, it isn't hard to imagine the events of Escape From New York could easily fit into the overall story. Oppressive regimes, civilization casualties, and a desolate future are all present in each feature, making a strong case for a Soldier connection.

Even Horizon (1998)

Soldier and Event Horizon have a few things in common. They both were directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and are both science fiction features where the main characters are basically put through hell in a variety of ways.

But what really connects these two is the fact that a piece of the Lewis and Clark, the vessel from Event Horizon that was used to reach the titular station for investigation, is seen in the garbage on the planet in Soldier. In the 1997 feature, the Lewis and Clark is destroyed, and the wreckage could have easily made its way to the desolate planet.

The setting takes place in 2047 after Soldier’s 2036 timeline, but what could have happened is the wreckage could have slipped into the black hole when the gravity drive on the Event Horizon was activated and came out in a part of space and time that allowed it to end up on the planet with Todd. While out there, it's totally within the realm of science fiction and could really add some hellish depth to the Soldier-verse.

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)

This one may be kind of a stretch, but it will definitely be fun for fans of The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. Russell starred in the Disney affair in 1969 about a teenager that gains the intelligence of a computer. In the movie, Kurt plays Dexter Riley, who also would return in 1972’s Now You See Him Now you Don’t, and in 1975 for The Strongest Man in the World.

The illustrious dossier for Sergeant Todd “3465” is pretty stacked, and one thing on the military warrior’s work history that stands out is something called The Dexter Riley Award. The Disney franchise could have occurred earlier in the Soldier timeline with that award, based on its namesake’s accomplishments, coming into play as something that recognizes a soldier’s lightning speed intelligence, ability to vanish, and exceptional strength. It could happen.