John Carter (Antonio Sabato Jr.) is on a tour of duty in Afghanistan as a sniper when he's wounded by enemy fire. He agrees to take part in an experimental teleportation procedure that could help his injuries. When he wakes up, he discovers he's been transported to an alien planet. As John explores his surroundings, he's captured by a group of aliens. He earns their respect when he helps them save the princess, Dejah Thoris (Traci Lords), and later battles an ambitious soldier (Matt Lasky).