Saturday, October 18, 2025

Where Was Red Sonja (2025) Filmed? Full Location Guide

-

Red Sonja is an upcoming fantasy action movie, inspired by the legendary comic book heroine of the same name. Directed by M.J. Bassett and starring Matilda Lutz in the title role, the film is set for theatrical release in the U.S. on August 15, 2025, under Samuel Goldwyn Films.

At NetFilming, we’ve explored where this visually rich movie was filmed and how the production brought Sonja’s world to life using real-world landscapes.

In this reboot, Red Sonja breaks free from slavery and unites with fellow warriors to take down a tyrant named Draygan the Magnificent and his dangerous ally, Dark Annisia.

Let’s take a look at the stunning filming locations and production timeline of Red Sonja (2025).

Red Sonja Filming Locations

The filmmakers chose Bulgaria and Greece as the main filming locations for their strong visual appeal, diverse scenery and budget-friendly conditions.

Most of Red Sonja was shot at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia, Bulgaria, a go-to spot for action-packed films.

Bulgaria

Primary Location: Nu Boyana Film Studios, Sofia

Red Sonja was mostly shot in Bulgaria, primarily in the Nu Boyana Film Studios and the surrounding area of Sofia. Bulgaria is a great location for historical and fantasy films because of its varied terrain, which includes rocky mountains and mediaeval strongholds.

Filming was also made easier by the nation’s expanding status as a film hub and its availability of talented production teams.

Trivia: Other major productions shot in Bulgaria include:

  • 300: Rise of an Empire
  • The Expendables 2
  • Hellboy (2019)

Pchelina Dam, Bulgaria

Another breathtaking outdoor location used in filming was Pchelina Dam, located near the village of Pchelintsi in western Bulgaria. Surrounded by rocky hills and calm waters, this dam offered a remote, cinematic backdrop for key scenes.

Trivia: Pchelina Dam has previously been featured in:

  • The Lake (2023) – a European thriller drama

Several commercials and music videos due to its unspoiled setting

Filming also took place in Thermi, a suburb of Thessaloniki, Greece, starting in November 2022.

Greece

Key Location: Thermi, Thessaloniki

In November 2022, the cast and crew were spotted filming in Thermi, a suburb of Thessaloniki, Greece. This location was picked because it is ideal for outdoor battle scenes and village setups due to its picturesque surroundings, traditional architecture and cosy lighting.

Filming in Thessaloniki gave the worldbuilding of the film a Mediterranean feel by fusing epic landscapes with historical ambiance.

Trivia: Thessaloniki has also been a filming location for:

  • The Enforcer (2022) starring Antonio Banderas
  • Beckett (2021) featuring John David Washington

The Story of Red Sonja

In Red Sonja, Matilda Lutz plays the brave warrior Red Sonja, who escapes from the evil tyrant Draygan the Magnificent and becomes free. She fights Draygan and his deadly bride, Dark Annisia, with a group of unlikely heroes to free her people. Wallis Day, Robert Sheehan, Michael Bisping, Martyn Ford, Eliza Matengu, Rhona Mitra, and Veronica Ferres are all in the cast, which adds depth to this action-packed story. Distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films in the U.S. and Signature Entertainment in the UK and Ireland, the movie hits theaters on August 15, 2025, with a video-on-demand release on August 29, 2025.

Red Sonja Behind The Scenes

Bringing Red Sonja to life wasn’t just about epic battles and fantasy costumes—it was a massive creative challenge that took years to get right. After numerous delays and changes in directors and cast, M.J. Bassett finally brought the movie to life. Bassett is known for her work on action-heavy shows like Reacher and Strike Back. She brought a realistic, gritty style to this larger-than-life heroine.

Speaking about the project, Bassett shared in an interview:

“We didn’t want Sonja to feel like a superhero in a cape. She’s a survivor, a fighter, a human with real pain and real power.”

Lead actress Matilda Lutz, who trained extensively for the role, added:

“This was the most physically intense role I’ve ever done. I loved exploring Sonja’s emotional strength as much as her fighting skills.”

Instead of using many green screens, the production used detailed stunt choreography, real-life locations, and practical effects. This choice made the action scenes feel more real and immersive.

The team also worked closely with the costume and production designers to make sure that the look of the original comic was kept while making it believable for the screen.

Red Sonja Official Trailer

Stay tuned with NetFilming for more updates and behind-the-scenes info on your favorite movie locations.

Read Also: Netflix Movie Ziam Filming Locations in Bangkok, Thailand

Related articles

Hazel Lewis
Hazel Lewishttps://netfilming.com
Hazel Lewis is the Senior News Writer at Net Filming and a passionate fan of movies, comics, and television, with a collection to match. When she's not diving into pop culture, Hazel enjoys spending time with her two daughters and her beloved dog. She's also an avid gym-goer, a fine coffee enthusiast, and a devoted doughnut lover.

Latest posts