interview by JANA LETONJA

Italian-American actress Matilda Lutz is starring in ‘Red Sonja’, which premiered in the US on 15th August and in the UK on 18th August. Following ‘Red Sonja’, Matilda will also star in ‘Arachnid’. Her past projects include the neo-noir thriller ‘Magpie’, the Netflix Italian series ‘Brigands: The Quest for Gold’, Netflix’s ‘Reptile’ , and ‘Z (Final Cut)’ by Michel Hazanavicius, which opened the Cannes Film Festival.

Red Sonja is such an iconic character. What drew you to this role, and how did you prepare to take on such a powerful persona?

When I read the script, I was immediately drawn to Sonja’s resilience. She’s not your typical superhero. She’s fierce, flawed, raw, and vulnerable. It was liberating to play a woman who doesn’t ask permission to take up space. To prepare, I trained intensely, with a nutritionist guiding my diet, and my days were filled with horseback riding, climbing, sword training, choreography, weight training, and plenty of bruises. I had never been on a horse before, and learning to shoot arrows while galloping was one of the most thrilling, and terrifying, things I’ve ever done. That’s the physical side, but there’s so much more to Sonja than her strength. I dove into her mythology and reread the comics to understand her emotional scars. I discovered she’s a survivor before she’s a warrior, and I wanted that to be at the heart of my Sonja as I brought her to life.

What are you most excited for audiences to see when the film premieres?

I’m excited for audiences to meet this new version of Sonja. There have been so many comic issues of Red Sonja since the 70s, and the character has evolved tremendously. We’re bringing the Red Sonja of our generation. There’s plenty of action, and I’m sure it will entertain, but honestly, I hope people are surprised by the heart of the film. It’s not just swords and fire, it’s about identity, trauma, and reclaiming your power.

full look CHANEL

Red Sonja is known for her strength and fearlessness. Did playing her change or influence you in any way off-camera?

Oh, definitely. Playing her influenced me in so many ways off camera. Sonja made me realize how often I apologize in real life for being too loud, too opinionated, or “too much.” After wrapping, I found myself standing taller and speaking my mind without hesitation.

You’re diving into the creature-feature genre with ‘Arachnid’. What can you tell us about the tone of the film and your role in it?

‘Arachnid’ is a mix of survival thriller and psychological horror. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ll be able to watch it. I saw a short teaser trailer and couldn’t sleep. And when I finally did, I dreamed I was trying to kill invisible spiders.

How does filming a creature-driven thriller compare to your past experiences in action or horror?

It’s so much fun. You get to play in a fantastical world, see the artistic process, watch all the VFX and special-effects magic, and scream at tennis balls that will eventually turn into terrifying creatures in post-production. Creature features test your imagination more than anything. It’s like teleporting back to childhood, reacting to something that isn’t really there. It’s fun, ridiculous, and completely exhausting.

You’ve worked across so many genres. How do you choose your roles?

I love characters who are on the edge, emotionally, psychologically, morally. If a script scares me a little or makes me wonder “How am I going to pull this off?”, that’s usually a good sign. I also love working with directors who are a bit wild. Controlled chaos is my comfort zone. I thrive on collaboration and believe filmmaking is all about creative exchange. When I choose a project, it’s often because of the people and the story we’re telling. There’s no such thing as a small role when the team and the narrative matter. There’s always something to learn.

full look DZOJCHEN
shoes FERRAGAMO

full look MIU MIU

You’ve also been the face of Miu Miu and Emporio Armani fragrances. How has your relationship with fashion influenced your career in film, and vice versa?

I grew up surrounded by fashion, both my parents work in the industry. As a kid, I’d tag along with my mom to events and visit my dad on photo shoots. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what influenced me. Maybe everything. Fashion has always been woven into my life, and it’s shaped my work in ways I’m not always conscious of. Hair, makeup, and costume are essential to the characters I play. Both fashion and film are about transformation, and I’ve always loved the magic of shapeshifting into someone new.

You split your time between Milan and Los Angeles. How does living between two cultural hubs shape your worldview and creative process?

I have a deep love for both places. Milan is home, it’s where I grew up, where my roots are. Los Angeles is where I first lived on my own and where so many of my dreams started to come true. LA pushes me to think big and reach higher, while Milan keeps me grounded, reminding me to slow down, share a coffee with friends, and just talk about life. I need both. One fuels my ambition, the other nourishes my soul.

full look VALENTINO

full look ZIMMERMANN
boots VERONICA BEARD

Being Italian-American, do you feel your cultural background gives you a unique lens in navigating international film industries?

I think I’m still figuring out what it means to carry two passports, two cultures, two homes. It shapes the way I move through the world, though sometimes it makes me feel like an outsider. In Italy, I’m “the American,” and in the US, I’m “the Italian.” But that duality also gives me perspective. I’ve learned that while each country has its own way of telling stories, a truly good story transcends borders. The human condition is universal. When something resonates deeply, it can be told anywhere and still connect.

With many projects on the horizon, what types of stories or characters are you eager to take on next?

I’m drawn to intimate, character-driven stories, the kind that explore the messy, beautiful complexities of being human. I want roles that are unexpected or offbeat, stories that challenge me to see the world, or myself, differently. I’m curious about narratives that live in the grey areas, that aren’t afraid to be uncomfortable or strange. I want to keep learning, stretching, and surprising myself. That’s the most exciting part of this work, discovering parts of myself I didn’t know existed through the characters I inhabit.

When you’re not on set, how do you recharge and unwind?

When I’m off set, I’m intentional about how I recharge. The first thing I do is spend time with my son. Being with him grounds me more than anything. I continue training in theater with my coach, Michael Rodgers, because staying connected to the craft is something I love even outside of work. I’m very active. I enjoy all kinds of sports, and moving my body helps me reset mentally. I travel whenever I can, go camping to stay connected with nature, read, attend concerts, sing, and play guitar. I’m naturally curious and always eager to learn something new. And of course, there’s nothing better than a great meal shared with people you love. I spend a lot of time with my close friends and family. We talk, laugh, and slow down together. That balance between movement, learning, and connection is what recharges me. Oh, and I sleep. A lot. If there were awards for napping, I’d have at least two by now. Sleep is so underrated.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent MATILDA LUTZ
photography, dop and creative direction MARTIN PERRY LUTZ
styling ORETTA CORBELLI
makeup CEDRIC JOLIVET at The Wall Group
hair RENA CALHOUN at A-Frame Agency
production and post-production INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE PRODUCTIONS
production coordination MARIA LICCI
photography assistant LORENZO GRONDONA
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN

IN CONVERSATION WITH MATILDA LUTZ

IN CONVERSATION WITH NAZANIN KAVARI