After a long journey through multiple iterations over the past two decades, the reboot of Red Sonja is finally set to make its way to UK audiences later this year. Signature Entertainment has secured the UK and Irish distribution rights to the highly anticipated action-fantasy film, which has been in post-production for over two years.
The film, based on the best-selling Red Sonja comic book series, has been sold in multiple international markets by Millennium Media, though an official release date has yet to be confirmed. However, UK fans can expect the sword-swinging, barbarian action to hit theaters later this year.
Directed by M.J. Bassett (“Ash Vs. Evil Dead,” Wilderness), the reboot follows the titular Red Sonja, a fierce barbarian huntress who must unite an unlikely group of warriors to take on the tyrannical Emperor Draygan and his deadly bride, Dark Annisia. This new iteration promises to honor the legacy of the character while offering fresh twists and an exciting adventure for fans both old and new.
A Star-Studded Cast
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Matilda Lutz (Revenge, Reptiles, A Classic Horror Story) as the fearless Red Sonja, alongside Robert Sheehan (“The Umbrella Academy,” Mortal Enginers), Wallis Day (Sheroes, “Batwoman”), Michael Bisping (Den of Thieves, Triple Threat), and Luca Pasqualino (Snowpiercer, “Shantaram”). Joining them are Rhona Mitra (Doomsday, Hounds of War), Martyn Ford (Final Score, Accident Man), Ben Radcliffe (Cuban Fury, “Masters of the Air”), Eliza Matengu (Predestination, Thor: Love and Thunder), Veronica Ferres (Crisis, The Bricklayer), Phillip Winchester (Strike Back, The Bricklayer), and Trevor Eve (Dracula (1979), “Waking the Dead”), rounding out a strong and diverse cast ready to take on the iconic characters.
A Long Road to Production
The Red Sonja reboot has been in development for more than 20 years, with various versions of the project coming and going over time. Different writers, directors, and financiers have grappled with bringing the popular comic character to the big screen, but it wasn’t until this latest iteration, helmed by Bassett and written by Tasha Huo (The Witcher: Blood Origin), that the project found its footing.
The original Red Sonja, which starred Brigitte Nielsen, debuted in 1985. Since then, multiple attempts have been made to reboot the franchise, but it is only now that fans will finally see their beloved huntress return to the screen in a story that is expected to satisfy both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers to the tale.
Behind the Scenes: A Wealth of Talent
The reboot is produced by a talented team including Avi Lerner (Rambo: Last Blood), Mark Canton (300), Courtney Solomon (After), and Luke Lieberman (Max Steel), among others. Executive producers include Trevor Short, Darina Pavlova, Boaz Davidson, Tanner Mobley, and Nick Barrucci, ensuring that the film is in good hands.
Signature Entertainment’s Acquisitions Manager, Begüm Kayacan Parodi, expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “Red Sonja epitomizes the kind of film we’re looking for at Signature – an epic story in a fantasy-laden world with a strong commercial feel to its execution, which made it immediately appealing to us. We’re looking forward to introducing UK and Irish audiences to Matilda Lutz’s sword-swinging huntress later this year.”
J.J. Nugent, Millennium Media’s President of International Sales and Distribution, added, “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Signature Entertainment to bring Red Sonja to audiences in the UK. This franchise has a passionate global fanbase, and we can’t wait to deliver a film that honors its legacy while introducing the iconic characters to a new generation.”
