ARE CONAN AND RED SONJA BACK?

While there have been rumblings from Crom here and there for years, sword and sorcery -- and to make a distinction, not fantasies like LORD OF THE RINGS or GAME OF THRONES -- has largely been overlooked by the movie and television industry . . . until maybe now?

Millennium Media has reportedly wrapped up the filming of RED SONJA, a new version based on the Dynamite Entertainment comic book series, who owns the copyright. I wasn't hugely impressed with Brigitte Nielson's Sonja that was released way back in 1985, so I'm hoping that the always-developing technology of filmmaking will bring a new shine to her sword and shield. I'm also keeping my fingers crossed that Matilda Lutz is the right choice for the titular character.

Millennium Media's website is mum on the subject except for an initial news announcement, a single teaser photo, and this film synopsis:

Enslaved by an evil tyrant who wishes to destroy her people, barbarian huntress Red Sonja must unite a group of unlikely warriors to face off against Dragan The Magnificent and his deadly bride, Dark Annisia. Based on the best-selling comic series.

Plus, it sounds like Conan and King Kull will both get a shot on the small screen, if things go right.

‘Red Sonja’: Matilda Lutz Goes Full Sword and Sorcery in First-Look Image

The cameras are rolling in Bulgaria on the Millennium movie adapted from the comic book series and directed by M.J. Bassett.

By Etan Vlessing | October 11, 2022 | HollywoodReporter.com

A first-look image from M.J. Bassett’s sword-and-sorcery feature Red Sonja, adapted from the comic book series and starring Matilda Lutz as the titular character, has been released by Millennium Media.

In the photo above, Lutz is framed by a fiery backdrop as she holds a sword over her shoulder. The ensemble cast also includes Wallis Day, Robert Sheehan as Draygan, Michael Bisping as Hawk, Martyn Ford as General Karlak and Eliza Matengu as Amarak.

Red Sonja is adapted from the comic books of the same name by Dynamite Entertainment and based on the heroine created by Robert E. Howard and adapted by Roy Thomas. The cameras are rolling on the film at the Bulgarian Nu Boyana Studio, with additional shoots at the Greek Nu Boyana Studio later this month. 

Lutz’s recent projects include Paramount Pictures’ Zone 414 and Neon’s Revenge. Bassett’s projects include Solomon Kane, starring James Purefoy; Lionsgate’s Endangered Species; Rogue, starring Megan Fox; and episodes of Freeform’s Motherland: Fort Salem.

Joey Soloway, who was initially set to helm the project, has an executive producer credit. Producers include Mark Canton, Courtney Solomon, Luke Lieberman, Les Weldon, Jeffrey Greenstein, Jonathan Yunger, Yariv Lerner and Joe Gatta. Avi Lerner, Trevor Short and Boaz Davidson are also among the executive producers.