LOS ANGELES — Wicked Pictures has announced it has started shipping "Barbarella XXX: An Axel Braun Parody." The specially-packaged, two-disc DVD release arrives in stores nationwide on Wednesday.
A safe-for-work trailer can be viewed here.
"Barbarella XXX" marks the debut of Wicked Comix, a new imprint dedicated exclusively to comic book parodies. All Wicked Comix titles are being helmed by Braun, who is currently in production on "Batman v Superman XXX: An Axel Braun Parody."
A campy, tongue-in-cheek spoof of Jean-Claude Forest’s classic sci-fi comic strip and Roger Vadim’s 1968 film adaptation, "Barbarella XXX: An Axel Braun Parody" stars ABP contract star Riley Steele in the titular role made famous by Jane Fonda.
Her co-stars include Wicked contract star Asa Akira as The Great Tyrant, Chanell Heart, and newcomer Rachael Madori, while Tera Patrick and Ron Jeremy provide non-sex cameos.
“Riley just nailed the Barbarella character and the true spirit of the movie” Braun said. “She is so beautiful that most people aren’t used to noticing just how good an actress she is, but in this movie her screen presence is undeniable, and she really went the extra mile to make the role her own, in all its campy, bubbly, sexiness.
"I am very proud of the work she did, and the scene between her and Asa was absolutely scorching, to the point where we called cut at the end of her scene and they kept going at it for another 15 minutes. Now that is chemistry!"
Steele more than shares Braun’s enthusiasm. “I was so excited and nervous about playing this role because I'm such a fan of the original," Steele said. "But I have to say when I saw the final result I just stared aghast at the screen the whole time — it's so amazing, and sexy, and funny! Axel has once again topped himself and I am really proud to be a part of this awesome movie!"
For Wicked Girl Akira, Braun’s new film gave her an opportunity to flex her muscles in new directions. “I had a wonderful time playing The Great Tyrant for Axel,” she said. “Between the elaborate set, beautiful wardrobe, and crazy hot sex with Riley, I feel very honored to be a part of this big, fun production!"
The double-disc release comes with exclusive content. The extras include three bonus sex scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, sensual still galleries, trailers and much more.
"Barbarella XXX: An Axel Braun Parody" is attracting international attention, with the French television program "Le Journal Du Hard" airing a detailed profile of the film featuring interviews with Braun, Riley Steele and Michael Vegas. "Le Journal Du Hard" has aired since 1991 on Canal +, Europe's most popular TV channel.
For his part, Wicked Pictures President and Owner Steve Orenstein couldn't be happier with the consumer interest and media attention the first Wicked Comix release is generating.
“From the very beginning it was clear that 'Barbarella XXX' had struck a chord with a wider demographic than we expected," Orenstein said. "Axel really believed in this project and infused it with his usual maniacal attention to detail, and that incredible degree of passion and involvement that are uniquely his, all of which really shows in the final product. Needless to say, all of us at Wicked are thrilled with the result, and I’m sure the fans will feel the same."
