Dolph Lundgren in person
with Universal Soldier
Monday, September 21st at 7:30 PM
$55 Public | $45 Members
Tickets include a screening of Universal Soldier, a copy of Fights Worth Fighting, interview moderated by 2x Emmy-winner Jud Newborn, audience Q&A and a book signing reception.

Join legendary action star Dolph Lundgren for a special evening that will feature a screening of the 90s sci-fi action flick Universal Soldier, a discussion of his new memoir Fights Worth Fighting, and a meet and greet book signing reception with live musical entertainment!

For those who think of action heroes in terms of brawn over brains, some may be surprised that the formidable, 6 foot 5 inch film star - who rocketed to stardom as Ivan Drago, Sylvester Stallone’s stone-faced Soviet boxing opponent - actually began his career at Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology. As he details in his fascinating new memoir, Fights Worth Fighting, this path led to an M.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Sydney, and then a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to MIT. Despite being on track for a doctorate, Lundgren decided to trade academia for a career in film. A fourth-degree black belt in karate, he quickly became one of cinema's most recognizable action stars, building a career that spans blockbuster franchises, cult classics, and, in recent years, acclaimed work as a writer and director.

The Film:
Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme star in the explosive sci-fi action classic Universal Soldier. During the Vietnam War, two soldiers kill each other in a violent confrontation, only to be secretly revived decades later as part of a top-secret government program designed to create the ultimate fighting machine. Reengineered as emotionless super-soldiers with extraordinary strength and no memory of their former lives, they serve as members of an elite anti-terrorism unit. But when fragments of their past begin to resurface, the two men break free from their military handlers, setting the stage for an unforgettable final showdown. Packed with spectacular action and larger-than-life performances, Universal Soldier remains one of the defining action films of the 1990s. (USA, France, Netherlands, 1992, 102 mins, R, English | Dir. Ronald Emmerich)

The Book:
Fights Worth Fighting by Dolph Lundgren is a powerful and unflinchingly honest memoir from one of the most enduring icons of action cinema. Best known for his role as Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, Lundgren skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s and has since built a remarkable career spanning over a hundred films—including producing, writing, and directing multiple projects. But beyond the on-screen battles lies a far more compelling story: the real-life fights Lundgren has faced behind the scenes.

In this deeply personal account, Lundgren opens up about his upbringing in Sweden, his rise from a chemical engineering student to a martial arts champion, and his eventual transformation into an international movie star. He explores the pressures of fame, the emotional and physical toll of life in a cutthroat industry, and his private struggles. Now, as he faces his most difficult challenge yet—a fight against cancer—Lundgren reflects on the cost of survival and what it truly means to keep going. More than just a Hollywood memoir, Fights Worth Fighting is a guide to resilience and a call to arms for anyone struggling with their own battles.

Dolph Lundgren has shown a versatility unlike any other action hero, whether playing “super-soldier" Sergeant Andrew Scott in the sci-fi fan-favorite Universal Soldier franchise opposite Jean-Claude van Damm, or in the more recently acclaimed Creed II (2018) opposite Michael B Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, the Expendables franchise opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis among others (2010- 2023), Masters of the Universe (opposite Frank Langella), Johnny Mnemonic opposite Keanu Reeves, Showdown in Little Tokyo opposite Brandon Lee, Aquaman opposite Jason Momoa, Nichole Kidman and William Defoe and such self-directed cult classics as The Mechanik, The Defenders, Command Performance and the most recent, Wanted Man (2024).

He's a genius. Chemical engineer, MIT, Fulbright scholar. I hated him.
- Sylvester Stallone

Produced by Jud Newborn, Two-Time Emmy Award Winner, Cinema Arts Centre

Reception will feature live music by Lydia Sabosto.