Nu Image/Millennium Films is pleased to announce the return of Red Sonja to the big screen. The film will star Rose McGowan as the mythical flame-haired comic-book vixen with a sword, Red Sonja. The film is presented by Robert Rodriguez and will be directed by Douglas Aarniokoski.

The producers are Rodriguez, Avi Lerner, Boaz Davidson, Joe Gatta and George Furla. The film's executive producers are Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, Luke Lieberman and Nick Barrucci. The screenplay is written by David White. Red Sonja is based on a heroine created by Robert E. Howard and adapted for Marvel Comics by Roy Thomas.

In her return we find Red Sonja, a young girl risen from the ashes of tragedy to become the most feared woman warrior of all time. The mythical red-head blindly seeks vengeance on those who destroyed her family. In her path of destruction she discovers a larger purpose for her unearthly powers: to save all Hyrkania from the villainous Kulan Gath.

"This is an amazing property and film for our company," says Nu Image/Millennium's Avi Lerner. "Working with the talented Robert Rodriguez, having Rose McGowan as Red Sonja and Douglas Aarniokoski directing is a fantastic combination. We could not be happier."

The Nu Image/Millennium deals were structured and orchestrated by Lonnie Ramati, executive vice president of business affairs.

"It is our intent to take this opportunity to build on the worlds of branded entertainment with Red Sonja as well as Conan, Hercules and The Three Musketeerstitles. There is history with these mythical heroes, and success," says Millennium's Boaz Davidson. "We were pleased when Joe Gatta brought us this project."

Production is set to begin in October of this year. Locations are being scouted in Michigan and throughout the United States. Additional casting is also being considered.

Executive Producer and Vice President of Red Sonja, LLC, Luke Lieberman says "Red Sonja is a unique character with a rich history and bright destiny. Her struggles and triumphs have endured in the hearts of fans for decades, and now her legend can reach a truly global audience. Rose Mcgowan's passion and Robert Rodriguez's vision will bring the 'She-Devil' to life on the grandest of stages."

"Dynamite has been publishing Red Sonja comics for the last several years,
reinventing the character for a modern audience and we're exceptionally pleased that the right combination of talent has been found to bring her to life on the big screen. It was a long search -- three years -- but Rose is ideal for the part, and Robert as producer will ensure that a pure creative vision remains in place, and captures elements of the stories that Dynamite has been telling," says Executive Producer Nick Barrucci. Barrucci is also President/Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment.

Red Sonja is in development . The film is directed by Simon West.