EXCLUSIVE: The long-gestating Red Sonja reboot has been sold to the UK, where it is due for release “later this year” after two years in post.
Signature Entertainment has picked up UK and Irish rights to the action fantasy film from Millennium Media, which has previously sold the movie in multiple international markets but a first release date has yet to be revealed.
Based on the best-selling comic book series, the fantasy follows barbarian huntress Red Sonja, who must unite a group of unlikely warriors to face off against the evil tyrant Emperor Draygan and his deadly bride, Dark Annisia. M.J. Bassett directs.
The film stars Matilda Lutz (Revenge), Robert Sheehan (The Umbrella Academy), Wallis Day (Sheroes), Michael Bisping (Den of Thieves), Luca Pasqualino (Snowpiercer), Rhona Mitra (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans), Martyn Ford (Final Score), Ben Radcliffe (Cuban Fury), Eliza Matengu (Predestination), Veronica Ferres (Crisis), Phillip Winchester (Strike Back) and Trevor Eve (Waking the Dead).
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Different versions were in development for at least 20 years prior to this iteration as different writers, directors and financiers grappled with the project. The 1985 original starred Brigitte Nielsen.
The feature is produced by Avi Lerner (Rambo: Last Blood), Mark Canton p.g.a (300), Courtney Solomon p.g.a. (After), Luke Lieberman (Max Steel), Les Weldon (The Expendables), Christa Campbell (Hellboy), Lati Grobman (Criminal), Joe Gatta (Conan the Barbarian), MJ Bassett (Soloman Kane), Jeffrey Greenstein (The Hitman’s Bodyguard), Jonathan Yunger (The Protégé), and Yariv Lerner (Rambo: Last Blood).
Executive producers include Trevor Short, Darina Pavlova, Boaz Davidson, Tanner Mobley, Nick Barrucci, Dorothy Canton, Scott Karol, and Heidi Jo Markel. Co-producers include Shannon Lieberman. The film is written by Tasha Huo (The Witcher: Blood Origin) and directed by Bassett.
The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment’s Acquisitions Manager Begüm Kayacan Parodi and Millennium Media’s President of International Sales and Distribution J.J. Nugent.
Parodi said: “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.”
Nugent 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.”
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