Producer/star couple Robert Rodriguez and Rose McGowan have switched their attentions from Barbarella to another iconic heroine, Red Sonja.

Previously brought to life by Brigitte Nielsen in the 1985 movie, ironically once described as a “pre-history Barbarella”, Red Sonja was created by Marvel Comics’ Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith for their Conan the Barbarian line, loosely based on Conan creator Robert E. Howard’s character Red Sonya.

According to USA Today, Rodriguez will produce the movie to be directed by Douglas Aarniokoski. "Rose is a pistol,” Rodriguez told the paper. “She's whip-smart, has attitude to burn, is sexy, extremely strong, yet has a vulnerable side that would surprise her closest friends. That description also fits Red Sonja."

McGowan commented wryly that “I do have a body made for sitting on a veranda with mint juleps and a parasol. I don't know why I always have to save the planet."