When will Red Sonja (2025) premiere? Release date, cast details, first look, and more

Red Sonja was released for a limited theatrical run in the United States on August 13, 2025. Directed by M. J. Bassett and written by Tasha Huo, the film premiered in Russia on July 31, 2025. The sword and sorcery reboot will also be available for digital purchase or rent by August 29, 2025, on platforms such as Google Play, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, and YouTube.

Matilda Lutz plays the titular protagonist. The film features Veronica Ferres, Martyn Ford, Michael Bisping, Wallis Day, Robert Sheehan, Eliza Matengu, and Rhona Mitra, among other cast members.

Red Sonja, a formidable warrior, seeks revenge following the death of her family and the destruction of her homeland. Armed with unmatched sword skills and determination, she battles against tyrannical authority, deadly rivals, and evil magic to restore justice and defend humanity in a harsh, fantastical world.

What is Red Sonja all about?

A still from the film's trailer (Image via YouTube/Samuel Goldwyn Films)

In the fabled Hyborian Age, Red Sonja chronicles the adventures of a valiant warrior. Emperor Dragan abducts Sonja and forces her to fight in gladiatorial combat after she witnesses the murder of her family and the devastation of her homeland.

She gathers a diverse group of unexpected warriors to overthrow the reign of Dragan's empire to reclaim her independence and exact revenge on her loved ones. She battles strong opponents and evil spells with her unparalleled sword skills. Her mission inspires resistance to tyranny throughout the world and turns into a pursuit of justice and revenge.

Red Sonja is adapted from the Marvel Comics character Red Sonja, created by Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith in 1973, which was itself inspired by Robert E. Howard’s 1934 short story character Red Sonya of Rogatino. Reimagining the origins of the sword-and-sorcery heroine, the film maintains its roots in the Hyborian Age.

Red Sonja (2025) trailer unleashes bloody battles, bold heroics, and a wink at fantasy lore

Red Sonja, played by Matilda Lutz, appears in the trailer held captive and chained in a gloomy gladiatorial arena. She instantly establishes herself as an untamed warrior with her striking red hair and piercing glance. Through backflips and sword fights, she displays her speed and brutality as she slays both mythical animals and human rivals.

Her transition from prisoner to leader is introduced with the title card:

"Witness the rise of a legend."

Sonja states: "Someone must take a stand. The phrase, "nothing but death awaits us," symbolizes her determination, and she goes on to promise to "do what damage I can."

A chainmail bikini is presented to her in the trailer, and she hesitantly asks, "And that protects?" "Nothing," the armorer deadpans in response. The audience will adore it, he says while praising the character's iconic outfit.

The cast of Red Sonja (2025)

The film features an ensemble cast, with Matilda Lutz in the lead role as Red Sonja. Robert Sheehan appears as the villain, Emperor Dragan, alongside Wallis Day, who portrays Dragan's wife Annisia. The other cast featured in the film are:

Veronica Ferres as Ashera (Red Sonja's mother)
Luca Pasqualino as Osin The Untouched
Michael Bisping as Hawk
Martyn Ford as General Karlak
Eliza Matengu as Amarak
Danica Davis as Teresia
Joana Nwamerue as Varla
Manal El-Feitury as Ayala (as Manal El Feitury)
Ben Radcliffe as Daix
Katrina Durden as Saevus
Trevor Eve as Maester Crudelis
Tim McMullan as Coltar
Tihomir Vinchev as King Anzus
Rhona Mitra as Petra
Tony Way as Dane The Blacksmith
Diana Lyubenova as Hespera
Dimo Alexiev as Saltus
Kexin Wang as Martor
Philip Winchester as Rathi
Max Kraus as Larkan
Urs Rechn as Captain Ranjokan
Simon Feek as Commander Artran
Laura Giosh as Yahira (as Laura Giosh Markov)
Lyubomir Neikov as Ambassador Purshtan (as Lyubomir Neykov)
Kate Nichols as Berreth
Adrian Schiller as King Of Turan
Sofia Weldon as Young Sonja (9)
Skye Little Wing Dimov Saw as Young Draygon (as Skye Saw)
Stefan Ivanov as Captain Vato
Veselin Troyanov as Eikosi Commander
Darin Angelov as Pick
Deyian Angelov as Axel
Leart Dokle as Poacher #1
Juliyan Malinov as Poacher #2
Sam Kryszek as Fallen Guard
George Zlatarev as Draygan Scout (as Georgi Zlatarev)
Michael Flemming as Mechanic (as Michael Fleming)
Vasil Toshev as Slaver
Nathan Cooper as Godfrie
Renée Willett as Princess Zarkan (as Renee Willett)
Isabella Gentcheva as Slave Girl/Young Annisia
Doroteya Toleva as Annisia's Ghost #1
Yoana Kircheva as Annisia's Ghost #2
Trevor Van Uden as Annisia's Ghost #3
Owen Davis as Annisia's Ghost #4
Emil Markov as Annisia's Ghost #5
Shannon Kingston as Countess Barra (as Shannon Lieberman)
Paola Leone as Fabric Performer
Lucia Serena Cannale as Fabric Performer
Gabriella Anna Vaughn as Wine Server
Luisa Dushkova-Kontreras as Juggler/Entertainer
Filip Donchev as Juggler/Entertainer

Red Sonja released theatrically in the United States on August 13, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.

About the author

Suchita Patnaha is an Entertainment writer at Sportskeeda. With a Master of Arts in Drawing & Painting, Suchita has 3.5 years of industry experience as a Graphic Designer and former entertainment writer at Soapcentral.

Suchita has cultivated a strong understanding of entertainment content, from anime and celebrity trends to movies and TV shows from previous roles. She often researches cast members and industry updates while streaming favorite content. Suchita is committed to delivering relevant and ethical stories by relying on trustworthy sources and factual information.

Though Suchita doesn't have a favorite celebrity, there are a few that she respects for their work within and beyond the entertainment industry. This includes Keanu Reaves, Leonardo DiCaprio, J.K. Rowling, and manga artists Hajime Isayama and Eiichiro Oda.

Outside of writing, Suchita spends time painting, working out, driving, and cooking. If given the chance, she would love to go back in time to immerse in the making of Naruto, learning firsthand what goes into crafting a legendary manga series.

Know More

Edited by Suchita Patnaha