Conan the Barbarian, conceived by American author Robert E. Howard in 1932, stands as one of the most enduring icons of the sword-and-sorcery tradition. Originally brought to life in a series of fantastical tales, the formidable Cimmerian warrior has since traversed mediums, inspiring books, comics, movies, television shows, and an array of video games.
Among his many incarnations, the most celebrated remain the 1982 film Conan the Barbarian and its 1984 sequel, Conan the Destroyer, both anchored by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s commanding portrayal. The franchise also spawned several spinoffs, including the ill-fated 1985 film Red Sonja, centered on the fierce Hyrkanian warrior, which was a critical and commercial failure. Now, there’s a new version, and it’s also receiving mixed reviews.
Red Sonja Debuts To Divided Rotten Tomatoes Score
The new Red Sonja movie has debuted to a divided Rotten Tomatoes score. Directed by M.J. Bᴀssett, with a script written by Tasha Huo, the new film finds the barbarian huntress imprisoned under the rule of a ruthless tyrant bent on annihilating her people, and Red Sonja must rally a band of unlikely heroes to confront Dragan and his lethal consort, Dark Annisia.
The cast includes Matilda Lutz as Red Sonja alongside Wallis Day as Dark Annisia, BAFTA nominee Robert Sheehan (Misfits) as Emperor Dragan the Magnificent, Michael Bisping, Martyn Ford, Eliza Matengu, Veronica Ferres, Katrina Durden, Rhona Mitra, Manal El-Feitury, Kate Nichols, and Danica Davis.
Now, on the day of its theatrical release, Red Sonja has debuted to a divided 60% score from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The reboot only has 25 reviews at the time of writing, so its score is subject to fluctuation as more are published.
The reboot’s score is at least better than the 1985 version, which has a horrid 21% from critics, coupled with a 29% audience score. With the reboot now playing in theaters, its audience score should start to take shape very soon.
What Red Sonja’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Means For The Movie
Red Sonja‘s Rotten Tomatoes score means that its reviews are mixed. For instance, in ScreenRant‘s Red Sonja review, Mary Kᴀssel writes, “The sword and sorcery genre takes a critical hit in this messy, unenjoyable franchise reboot… Red Sonja attempts to revive its franchise, but it fails to justify itself, tell a compelling story, or make us care about the characters.”
Otherwise, critics are sharply divided, with many praising Lutz’s commanding presence, Bᴀssett’s spirited direction, and the film’s earnest, pulpy energy. Some celebrate its colorful visuals, lively combat, and unapologetic embrace of sword-and-sorcery spectacle.
However, others are criticizing its clichéd script, limited budget, and uninspired dialogue. Overall, admirers see the new Red Sonja as an entertaining, if flawed, revival, while its detractors dismiss it as sloppy, derivative, and unworthy of the heroine’s long-awaited return.
