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Red Scorpion poster
6.0 / 10(322 votes)IMDbR19881h 45m$4.2M Worldwide GrossNamibia, South Africa, United States of America

Red Scorpion

“They think they control him. Think again.”

Synopsis

A Soviet commando is sent to eliminate a rebel leader in Africa. Soon he finds himself doubting his mission.

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Part of the Red Scorpion Collection

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

Red Scorpion Trailer

Type: Trailer • Published 2011-08-15

Release History & Theatrical Window

World Premiere

MIFED film market

Festival / Special Debut

Theatrical Premiere

January 5, 1989

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Financials & Box Office Performance

ReleasedUnderperformed (0.26x ROI)

Production Budget

$16M

Filming & production cost

Worldwide Gross

$4.2M

Total global ticket sales

Box Office Return

0.26x

-$11.8M deficit

Theatrical Status

Budget Return

Box office tier

Budget: $16MWorldwide: $4.2M

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Joseph Zito
Screenplay & Story
Arne Olsen
Original Score
Jay Chattaway
Original Title
Red Scorpion
Country of Origin
Namibia, South Africa, United States of America
Spoken Languages
English, Italian
Runtime
1h 45m
Production Budget
$16M
Worldwide Gross
$4.2M
Production Studios
Scorpion Film Production, Abramoff Production, Shapiro-Glickenhaus Entertainment

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Joseph Zito

Screenplay & Story

Arne Olsen, Robert Abramoff, Jack Abramoff

Original Score & Music

Jay Chattaway

Director of Photography

João Fernandes

Film Editing

Daniel Loewenthal

Producers

Robert Abramoff, Daniel Sklar, Jack Abramoff, Paul Erickson

Department Leadership Roster

Arne Olsen

Screenplay

Jay Chattaway

Jay Chattaway

Original Music Composer

João Fernandes

João Fernandes

Director of Photography

Daniel Loewenthal

Editor

Jack Abramoff

Producer

Joseph Zito

Joseph Zito

Director

Ladislav Wilheim

Production Design

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: R

R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

International Certification Matrix

Germany (FSK)16

FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.

France (CNC)U

Tous publics — Universal audience.

United States (MPAA)R

Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Red Scorpion.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Red Scorpion

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Red Scorpion about?

A Soviet commando is sent to eliminate a rebel leader in Africa. Soon he finds himself doubting his mission.

Who directed Red Scorpion?

Red Scorpion was directed by Joseph Zito.

Who stars in Red Scorpion?

The principal cast of Red Scorpion includes Dolph Lundgren, M. Emmet Walsh, Al White, T. P. McKenna, Carmen Argenziano.

When was Red Scorpion released and how long is it?

Red Scorpion was released in 1988 with a total runtime of 1h 45m.

What was the box office and production budget of Red Scorpion?

Red Scorpion had a reported production budget of $16M and grossed $4.2M at the worldwide box office (0.26 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).

Who composed the musical score for Red Scorpion?

The original motion picture soundtrack for Red Scorpion was composed by Jay Chattaway.

What is the age rating and content advisory for Red Scorpion?

Red Scorpion holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).