Where was Red Sonja filmed? Complete guide to all filming locations and other production details

Red Sonja was released in the United States on August 13, 2025, for limited screening. Featuring Matilda Lutz as the titular protagonist, the sword and sorcery fantasy film is set in the Hyborian Age. It follows Red Sonja, the ferocious warrior who seeks revenge after witnessing the death of her family and her homeland's destruction.

The film also features Wallis Day, Robert Sheehan, and Michael Bisping, among others. Directed by M.J. Bassett from a screenplay by Tasha Huo, the filming began in August 2022 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The film was primarily shot in parts of Bulgaria and Greece.

The beautiful landscape of forests, castles, and scenic vistas adds to the character-building and plot of the film.

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Red Sonja filming locations

1) Nu Boyana Film Studios – Sofia, Bulgaria

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

Several indoor scenes were filmed at Nu Boyana Film Studios, located in Sofia, Bulgaria. This set is famous for massive soundstages and historical set pieces. Since 2005, the studio complex has been owned by Nu Image and Millennium Films, two of the longest-running indie Hollywood film companies.

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2) Vitosha Mountains, Bulgaria

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

The Vitosha Mountains in Bulgaria offered a perfect setting for Red Sonja with their high peaks, dense forests, and rugged paths. They were easy for the crew to travel to and provided wild, natural beauty within a short distance from Sofia. It was a suitable location for filming battle and travel sequences, and the wide panoramic shots.

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3) Thermi, Thessaloniki – Greece

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

Filming also took place in parts of Thermi, a scenic neighborhood in Thessaloniki, Greece, known for modern structures and lush Mediterranean landscape. It was ideal for both indoor and outdoor shots owing to its proximity to cities and natural settings. The region's unique environment and cinematic setting suited the film's fantasy visuals.

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Production details of Red Sonja

After years of obstacles, Red Sonja was finally greenlit for development under director M.J. Bassett, who took over after Joey Soloway’s departure. Filming went underway with the impressive castle sets providing an authentic fantasy backdrop.

Clint Wallace, the production designer, created a brand-new universe with unique architecture, weapons, and even a new language for the narrative. On the other hand, Matilda Lutz began training for her battle scenes a month before the filming started. She trained intensively with a sword to prepare for director M.J. Bassett’s vision of capturing fight scenes in long, uninterrupted takes.

She further revealed that she avoided the 1985 film and invested herself in Red Sonja comics that producer Luke Lieberman had provided her to learn about the character's essence. In an interview with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on August 1, 2025, the Rings actress stated:

"she's a warrior, but she's also a survivor. I wanted to give her humanity and vulnerability."

Released for a limited screening, the film will be available for rental or purchase on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home, and YouTube from August 29, 2025.

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Based on Marvel Comics' character Sonja, the film was released in the United States on August 13, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.