‘Conan the Barbarian’ Spin-Off Movie Arrives After 15 Years, Faces Low Rotten Tomatoes Score
With the number of years it took for this sword and sorcery spin-off to finally hit large screens, one would have expected a noteworthy debut that would make a lasting impression on both fans and critics. Sadly, that’s not the case, at least according to critics who have delivered their verdict on Rotten Tomatoes. Before divulging more details, the spin-off in question is the 2025 Red Sonja, which premiered in Russia on July 31 and received a limited theatrical release in the US on August 13 by Samuel Goldwyn Films.
As of this writing, Red Sonja has earned a disappointing 56% critics’ rating on the review aggregator website, based on 50 reviews. The audience, on the other hand, seems to have a different opinion from critics about the film, as reflected in its 69% Popcornmeter score. Even so, most of the commentary from both parties points to the Conan the Barbarian spin-off‘s unevenness, including Jeff Ewing’s review for Collider, which describes it as “an inconsistent sword-and-sandal epic, but one that lands some major notes.” The review also reads:
“The film overcomes a promising but inconsistent start, building to a solid back half with strong combat and performances, anchored by a bold Matilda Lutz and an impressive Robert Sheehan.”
Directed by M. J. Bassett and written by Tasha Huo, the Red Sonja reboot is inspired by Robert E. Howard’s characters, as adapted by Roy Thomas. The movie sees the title character as a solo protagonist who must battle her way through the blood-soaked pits of a tyrant’s empire while also rallying an army of outcasts to reclaim her freedom and take down Dragan and his ruthless bride, Dark Annisia. Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz leads in the title role with the fantasy pic also starring Wallis Day, Robert Sheehan, Michael Bisping, Martyn Ford, Eliza Matengu, Rhona Mitra, and Veronica Ferres.
‘Red Sonja’ Was in Development for Too Long
Before the new Red Sonja, there was a 1985 adaptation starring Brigitte Nielsen, which was a critical and commercial flop. Despite the failure, a sequel was said to be in development in the late 2000s that was ultimately scrapped until February 2010, when a Simon West-directed Red Sonja was announced. As the years went by, more changes were made to the reboot in terms of director, producer, and scribe roles. In February 2021, Huo was hired to pen the script, joining Joey Soloway, who previously signed on to write, direct, and produce in 2019. Bassett then came on board to direct in 2022 after Soloway left. Furthermore, Hannah John-Kamen was initially cast in the titular role but was ultimately replaced by Lutz.
Red Sonja is playing in theaters. Stay tuned to Collider for more information.
Red Sonja
- Release Date
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August 15, 2025
- Runtime
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110 Minutes
- Director
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M.J. Bassett
- Writers
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Tasha Huo
- Producers
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Christa Campbell, Courtney Solomon, Lati Grobman, Les Weldon, Mark Canton, Joe Gatta, Jeffrey Greenstein, Yariv Lerner
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