The iconic Red Sonja is back in a new film starring Matilda Lutz, known for her standout role in the revenge-fueled thriller *Revenge*. 
While many fans were hoping for a revival in the style of the 1985 cult classic featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brigitte Nielsen, the 2025 reboot brings a new twist to the franchise that’s sparking mixed reactions.
The trailer dropped recently, and it’s clear that the new Red Sonja isn’t aiming for the nostalgic grandeur of past films. Some fans are already throwing shade, with one commenting, “How does it look like it’s both cheap BUT still wastes money?” Another fan jokingly remarked, “Since when did the SyFy channel go mainstream?” It’s certainly striking a B-movie vibe, with one fan calling it “the most expensive B-movie ever.” Despite the sarcasm, some viewers seem to be embracing the quirky energy of the project, with one writing, “This looks terrible. I love it!”
Directed by MJ Bassett, known for *Rogue*, this new version of Red Sonja also stars Luca Pasuqalino and Robert Sheehan. It’s been a long time coming-originally planned for release over 15 years ago, fans are just happy to see it finally hitting the big screen. “This movie was supposed to come out 15 years ago. Glad it’s finally happening!” said one commenter, while another added, “I remember when this was supposed to be a Robert Rodriguez film. What happened to that?”
Despite some criticisms, there’s a lot of nostalgia attached to the character. One fan admitted, “Brigitte Nielsen will always be Red Sonja for me, but I’m excited to see what they do with this one. Sword and sandals action? I’m in!” Another brought up a dream casting idea: “Imagine if Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son played his character. That would’ve been epic.” The film’s storyline follows Red Sonja as she assembles a ragtag team of warriors to defeat the tyrant Dragan the Magnificent and his deadly bride.
With its retro feel and bold action, this version of Red Sonja may not be a masterpiece, but it’s certainly making waves in the pop culture conversation. Whether it’s a fun distraction or a guilty pleasure remains to be seen when the film hits theaters on August 15, with a streaming release on August 29.