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Robert Rodriguez and Rose McGowan Bringing Sexy Red Sonja Back

by Alex Billington
June 27, 2008
Source: USA Today

Barbarella? Red Sonja? It looks like Rose McGowan's job is always to save the world! Robert Rodriguez and his lovely lady Rose McGowan are teaming up to bring Red Sonja back in a remake due out in theaters in 2010. If you're still holding out for Sin City 2, don't worry, Rodriguez is only producing. The job of director goes to Rodriguez's associate and Highlander: Endgame director Douglas Aarniokoski. Rodriguez's version will be an origin story that will be inspired from comic books and pulp novelist Robert E. Howard, the father of the original Sonja as well as Conan the Barbarian. "Howard's goal was always, first and foremost, to spin a good yarn and to entertain. That's our goal."

The original 1985 film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as Kalidor and Brigitte Nielsen as Red Sonja. Somewhat similar to Schwarzenegger's Conan, Red Sonja becomes the master of a sword and goes off an adventure to revenge the evil queen who murdered her family. Rodriguez explains to USA Today that he was "surprised when Rose brought me a script of Red Sonja that she liked. I found it very entertaining. Sonja was strong, smart, cunning — just about everything she'd have to be to survive." And given the current trend of 80's remakes and fantasy action (He-Man, Clash of the Titans), this sounds like the perfect fit for a big blockbuster 2010 release.

As for the combination of Robert Rodriguez and Rose McGowan on Red Sonja, USA Today gushes over how "perfect" they are for this film. Rodriguez boasts of her: "Rose is a pistol. She's whip-smart, has attitude to burn, is sexy, extremely strong, yet has a vulnerable side that would surprise her closest friends. That description also fits Red Sonja." And in turn, McGowan pretentiously responds, "I lean toward physicality. The story has characters trashed by life who fight their way back. That is my theme." As much as I'm not out to question the over-hyped personalities of celebrities, if these two can work together to make one hell of an entertaining film that I'll enjoy in the end anyway, then I'm all for it despite how they may act off screen.

Everyone seems to be focused on the Rodriguez and McGowan aspect of this production, but I'm much more concerned at the director - Douglas Aarniokoski. Highlander: Endgame?! Not only did it flop at the box office, but it's only got a rating of 4.3 on IMDb. I truly hope Rodriguez is going to whip this guy into shape and get him up to the same speed as himself, or else we're in for a terrible remake - no matter how hot McGowan may look in a mesh bikinki! In theory I want this to be good (as I want every movie to be good), but as confident as I am in Rodriguez, I'm really worried that this is going to end up being the first big flop of 2010. I hope Rodriguez, McGowan, and Aarniokoski all prove me wrong - but we have two years until that happens. Does this Red Sonja remake sound exciting to you?

Filed under Casting, Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

http://blog.myspace.com/shero_rauf Shero

I am not exciting about this remake ... I can say I don't care if they make it or not it is the same for me
Jeff

I'm not a huge fan of Rose McGowan. But she was pitch perfect in Grindhouse (Planet Terror/Death Proof). I think she could pull off Red Sonja, no problem. The question is, will it be a good movie? Without Rodriguez directing, I'm so not sure. But then again, was the original good? I can't quite remember. I was a kid back then. For some reason, all I can remember was the nudity. Maybe I'm thinking of Sheena or Beastmaster. All those movies seem the same.
Alfredo

Hmm, don't really wanna see Rose McGowan as Sonja. I'd prefer some unknown, smokin hot red-head who can act to play Sonja. And the director of Highlander?? I see another remake of this remake being made in 2015 because this one's gonna flop pretty badly.
E

Red Sonja was really pretty good for what it was back in the day. There was no nudity at all. It was an adventure movie. I didn't think it was horrible. Brigitte was ... about as rough as Arnold in original Conan. Her accent was thick and brutal and difficult to understand sometimes. The real joy was seeing Sandahl Bergman in such a great classic role for her. She was always a favorite of mine ... I am looking forward to a remake that can be done on the right level. I think Rose can pull it off.
Conrad

I don't really care for Rose McGowan. - Never really liked her all that much. She was all right in "Scream" back in 1996, but then she made that awful "Jawbreaker" movie in '99. I'd prefer if they went with someone like Mary Elizabeth Winstead - I think she could fit the part better than McGowan. Afterall, she is much more slender which what Brigette Neilsen looked like way back when for the original "Red Sonja". The director of "Endgame"??? - this is going to be whack.
NC Leissner

Not really interested, more like, looking forward to making fun of it. B- movie acting can still be entertaining.
Gayle

I work in the film industry and I am interested in knowing if you are filming in Shreveport, La.? I would love to work with you and would love to be able to have you be a part of the city......Best wishes and hope to see you soon birdsiview0121@yahoo.com
kynda

i like McGowan and Rodriquez, but this project is full of failure..... I've always pictured Sonja, as clever and rugged. I just don't see that coming from McGowan.... Maybe this whole thing is just a personal project for Robert... or something just for Rose.... not intended to make money... just fulfilling a fantasy or something....
http://www.roaringsiren.blogspot.com Rear Guy

I think Rose is a bit too 'nice' for the role, and if I have it in my way, I think April Hunter would be a better candidate. Still, if Rose's got some acting talent, I'm sure this one's gonna be a winner !
Shelly

This is so disappointing. If she is going to play her hopefully she will gain 15 pounds of muscle and wear shoes to make her taller; at least 5'10 or 5'11. I read she was 5'3. Red Sonja is an Amazon looking woman not a little petite thing. I am not saying she can or can't play the role, just that she doesn't have the body for it. Sheing her kill people with a sword will not be believable.
Eric

How can you not like Rose McGowan? She's just so damn good looking! So what if she kills me in my sleep with carbon monoxide.