Matilda Lutz Returns to Action Scene in ‘Red Sonja’, Focuses on Director Relationships

Italian actress Matilda Lutz made her mark with a standout performance in Coralie Fargeat’s Revenge in 2017. However, rather than stick to action films, Lutz focused on working with directors she admired. Now, eight years later, she returns to the action genre with her role in Red Sonja. Unlike typical action stars, Lutz prides herself on building a strong relationship with her directors and making well-thought-out career choices.

– Italian actress Matilda Lutz, known for her lead role in the action-thriller “Revenge,” returns to action with a lead role in MJ Bassett’s “Red Sonja.”
– Lutz has previously collaborated with director Coralie Fargeat on critically acclaimed films including “Revenge” and “The Substance.”
– Lutz’s approach to choosing roles is based more on the directors and people involved in the project than the genre.
– Lutz endured intense training for her role in “Red Sonja,” including horseback riding, swordfighting, climbing and archery.

In 2017, Matilda Lutz made headlines with her standout role in Coralie Fargeat’s Revenge. This French action-triller garnered festival praise and critical applause, but its limited showing in U.S. cinemas made it a gem shared amongst film enthusiasts. Many thought Lutz would continue in the action genre, but the Italian actress had other plans.

Her approach went beyond genre, focusing on the filmmaker’s vision. This proved successful in her collaboration with Fargeat on their critically acclaimed 2024 body horror film, The Substance, which earned three Oscar nominations.

Lutz says priority should be given to role suitability and director preference over genre. “My choices are more based on directors and the people involved in the project than the genre,” she explained to The Hollywood Reporter. In 2025, eight years after Revenge, she took on another action role in MJ Basset’s Red Sonja. Basset is known for producing a hit in the action genre, 2009’s Solomon Kane, and for directing popular action series on television.

Red Sonja and Revenge are different films, but there are parallels in Lutz’s roles. Both characters appear in swimwear amidst violent scenes, receive traumatic abdominal injuries, and symbolically rebirth while subverting the male gaze. Lutz reflects positively on the protective measures taken by Basset and Fargeat during these vulnerable scenes.

Lutz’s role in Red Sonja required her to wear a bikini-type armor in front of hundreds, which was challenging than the four-person cast of Revenge. She praises the supportive cast of Red Sonja and the care taken by directors Basset and Fargeat.

Asked about the practice required for horse riding, sword fighting, climbing, and archery, Lutz admits it was grueling but she pulled through. She also discusses her involvement in Magpie, a film idea by Daisy Ridley, and her role as Alicia, a movie star. Like Revenge and Red Sonja, Magpie examines the male gaze, creating a thread in Lutz’s filmography.

In summing up her character in Red Sonja, Lutz highlights the compassionate side of the warrior. Despite her losses, Sonja cared about others’ well-being. This emotional aspect of the film is what Lutz cherishes, reminding audiences that there are layers to every action hero.