Tasha Huo Interview On “Red Sonja” Movie Adaptation: An Insight into the She-Devil’s Epic Journey

Red Sonja is a comic book character first introduced in 1973. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith, she is a fierce warrior with a fiery spirit and a thirst for vengeance. Set in the Hyborian Age, the same mythical universe as Conan the Barbarian, Red Sonja is known for her fiery red hair and unparalleled swords(wo)manship. The “She-Devil With A Sword” embodies strength, independence, and resilience, making her one of the most influential female characters in fantasy fiction.

The film adaptation begins: Enslaved by an evil tyrant who wishes to destroy her people, barbarian huntress Red Sonja (Matilda Lutz) must unite a group of unlikely warriors to face off against Dragan (Robert Sheehan) and his deadly bride, Dark Annisia (Wallis Day). We sat down with Tasha Huo, the writer behind the new Red Sonja film, to discuss her vision for this legendary warrior. Tasha is also known for her work on Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft.

When did you first feel the spark to write for film? 

My journey into the film industry began when I was working as an assistant at Universal Pictures. I’d been pursuing screenwriting for several years, trying to break in while working a day job. In 2014, I finally made that leap. It was a pivotal moment when I secured a blind deal with Warner Brothers through the Blacklist website. They expressed interest in my Western script, Black Bell, giving me the opportunity to write professionally. I started writing it around 2004 and we’re still trying to get it made!

Tasha Huo

Can you elaborate on your experiences as a development assistant?

My role encompassed a variety of tasks. While I did engage in some screenplay analysis, Universal had a dedicated story department for script coverage. My main responsibilities included organizing meetings, making crucial calls, and managing projects. However, the real value of that position was being on every call my boss took. I listened to prominent figures in the industry—writers, producers, and directors—discuss their projects in detail, which offered me invaluable insights. I always joke that I had a front-row seat to the greatest show in Hollywood.

What did you learn during those four years at Universal that helped shape you as a writer?

The most significant lesson was understanding the intricacies of screenwriting at the studio level. I had the chance to read multiple drafts of various scripts, witnessing firsthand how studios interact with writers. I truly grasped the nature of feedback, what executives seek in a script, and how they perceive writers creatively and financially. This exposure gave me a blueprint of what to aspire to. It taught me resilience too. You have to keep adapting and learning through every project to progress in your career.

What drew you to Red Sonja and how did you approach writing her story?

Red Sonja embodies autonomy and empowerment. I aimed to maintain her warrior essence while exploring her humanity and vulnerability. The goal was to illustrate that she is not just a warrior, but a complex female lead character facing real struggles and triumphs. I often found myself reflecting on the question: What makes a warrior? Is it just physical strength, or is there a deeper emotional battle as well?

How do you balance staying true to the original character while updating her for today’s audience?

Updating a character like Red Sonja requires a careful balance. I want to honor her comic book legacy while making her accessible to contemporary viewers. I spent time diving into her backstory and motivations, and understanding Red Sonja’s character development updating elements to reflect modern themes of empowerment and self-discovery without losing the core of who she is—a fierce warrior.

What has the collaborative process been like while working on this film?

Collaboration has been crucial in bringing Red Sonja to life. Working alongside directors, producers, and fellow writers, we’ve shared ideas and contributed our visions. It’s a blend of perspectives that enriches the narrative. I also value input from those familiar with the character’s past history, which helps maintain her authenticity while exploring new dimensions. It truly feels like a team effort, and I appreciate every voice at the table.

Several attempts have been made to write a Red Sonja screenplay. Discuss the pipeline writing process.

Studios have had multiple scripts in the past and sometimes producers don’t want you to read the old scripts because they have new ideas. They want to start from scratch. They don’t want you to be mired in other ideas that have come before that have not worked or changed. So, a lot of times, I won’t even read previous drafts.

I’ve actually never called a writer previous to me. There’s always this consideration of will they be upset that you’re that next writer? You just don’t know. If it was ever a situation where I’m coming on to something to build upon someone else’s work, I think that’s the time to really call that writer and say, “This is how it’s panning out. I’d love to know what inspired you so that I can get in your head so I can make the script the best version of what you wanted it to be.”

How did you get on Millennium Films’ radar?

In my early career, a friend of mine who came up with me as an assistant become an executive at Millennium. So I had a friend at Millennium. And when this project very first came up, he said, “Why don’t we bring in Tasha?” because he knew my writing, he liked it, he knew me and he liked me. So I came in and I pitched my take on it. I didn’t get the job back then.

And then it went on to be developed by many other writers and directors. For years, it had been stuck in development. And then it came back to me during the pandemic as an option. I think my agent heard that this was a writing assignment that was out there. They submitted my fantasy female driven script sample to them to read and they really liked it and I thought I’d be a good fit.

Describe your writing voice/ style

I really love stories about characters who don’t think they can do something. And then, through the struggle of the movie or the show, they realize that they can. I love characters with deep trauma. I think that’s a commonality in a lot of my stuff is characters.

I think people who are able to pull themselves out of something that they think should devastate them is really inspiring to me. I really love writing about that kind of heroism. And then, I think there’s a sharpness of dialogue. I trained myself for years to have a good ear for dialogue. I think that’s a strength that carries through my stuff.

Where do you find the most challenges in your writing process?

Structure. Structure is my weakness. Act two is a dead zone for me that I really struggle with. That’s where if I’m going to get “writer’s block” and hit a wall, it’s going to be there.

A lot of my struggle as a writer will come from is trying to push through and answer the right questions to get me through what act two has to be about. That usually doesn’t come to me immediately. I usually see the beginning and I see the end of the movie. not the middle. It all comes down to the mathematicians and the engineers versus the philosophers and the humanities people. Different parts of the brain and they both need to be in the same room. Otherwise the bridge falls down.

Red Sonja is a female character in a male-dominated genre. What message does her story convey to women?

Her story is one of strength of female characters, perseverance and empowerment. Red Sonja stands as a symbol of strength for women everywhere. Her battles are not just physical; they also highlight her resilience against societal expectations. I want her journey to inspire young women to embrace their strength and fight for their own identities. I honestly believe that when you see strong female characters, it helps shape the narrative around what women can achieve, not just in fiction, but in reality as well.

How do you ensure that Red Sonja’s portrayal is nuanced and avoids clichéd stereotypes?

It’s essential to approach her character with depth and complexity. Too often, female characters can fall into one-dimensional fantasy action roles. I focused on her motivations and experiences—what drives her to fight, what she fears, and how she interacts with other characters. By fleshing her out as a person rather than simply a stereotype, we create a nuanced portrayal that resonates more profoundly with the audience. I believe that complexity is crucial to any character, and especially for women in media.

Adapting an iconic character like Red Sonja comes with its challenges. What have been some of them?

One significant challenge has been navigating the expectations of long-time fans. There’s a passionate community around Red Sonja, and I deeply respect that. Balancing their expectations while also creating something fresh and engaging is a delicate task. Finding that sweet spot where both new and seasoned fans can appreciate the film has driven many of our creative decisions. I often think about how important it is to honor the past while still moving forward into uncharted territory.

What can audiences expect from the tone and style of the film?

The tone is rooted in the classic epic comic book style while incorporating modern cinematic techniques. We want to blend intense action sequences with heartfelt storytelling. I hope audiences feel a connection to Red Sonja and her journey—not just as a warrior, but as a person.

Where do you see the future of Red Sonja heading both in film and in comics?

I envision a reinvigorated interest in her character, extending beyond this film. I believe there’s potential for sequels or even spin-offs, exploring her world and the rich mythology surrounding it. The hope is to ignite a new wave of storytelling that captivates both devoted fans and newcomers alike. It’s exciting to think about how her legacy can evolve in new stories.

I hope Red Sonja inspires empathy, resilience, and strength in those who encounter her story. She’s more than a warrior; she represents the journey of self-discovery and the fight for one’s beliefs. I want audiences to not only enjoy her adventures, but to feel empowered by her choices and encouraged to forge their own paths in life. At the end of the day, it’s about creating connections and empowering others through storytelling.

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.