Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famed actor known for his iconic portrayal of the titular character in the 1982 cult classic “Conan the Barbarian,” has shared exciting news regarding the long-awaited sequel, “King Conan.” During a recent discussion with TheArnoldFans, the 78-year-old star revealed that preparations for filming are set to commence in 2027.
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For over a decade, Schwarzenegger has been advocating for a follow-up to his original on-screen adventures, expressing his desire for a well-crafted script that pays homage to the legendary creator of the character, Robert E. Howard, and the renowned artist Frank Frazetta. “For the last ten years I have been saying, ‘We should do King Conan and we should get a great script written,'” Schwarzenegger stated, highlighting his commitment to preserving the essence of the original works.
The excitement surrounding the project is further amplified by the confirmation that Christopher McQuarrie, credited for directing the latest four films in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, will be at the helm of “King Conan.” Schwarzenegger expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with McQuarrie, as he aims to bring a fresh perspective to the age-old saga of the warrior from Cimmeria.
According to Schwarzenegger, the character’s journey has evolved over the years, and the timing for this sequel feels right. He believes that previous attempts to revive the series may not have resonated as strongly, as Conan needed to grow older and reflect the passage of time. “He is no longer in the shape he was from his heyday and now people are trying to take him out,” he explained, alluding to the narrative direction of the new film. “He’s the king and he gets a little bit complacent. He’s tired of the job and he wants to move on.”
Schwarzenegger drew parallels with Clint Eastwood’s 1992 film “The Unforgiven,” which narrates the story of an aging outlaw returning to a life of violence. He hinted that “King Conan” would echo similar themes, all while featuring extraordinary battles that fans have come to expect from the franchise. His addition of rich character development alongside intense action sequences has piqued the interest of both viewers and critics alike.
In addition to the exciting news about “King Conan,” Schwarzenegger has revealed potential returns to his other iconic roles in the “Predator” franchise and “Commando” series. During a conversation at the Arnold Sports Festival in March, he noted that Fox Studio has begun to rediscover his potential for action films, with discussions already underway for both projects. “They come to me and they say, ‘We want you to do Predator, we just got the script for you to do Commando 2,'” he remarked.
The continued interest in Schwarzenegger’s iconic roles highlights not only his enduring popularity but also the nostalgia surrounding the characters that defined a generation of action films. As the film industry seeks to capitalise on familiar franchises, it appears that audiences are ready for the return of these beloved figures.
Fans of “Conan the Barbarian” and its sequel “Conan the Destroyer” are eagerly anticipating what “King Conan” will bring to the table. With Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return to the role that catapulted him into stardom, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the project. The combination of veteran storytelling, experienced direction, and Schwarzenegger’s charismatic presence promises to deliver a fresh yet familiar experience for both old and new fans alike.
As the production gears up for filming in 2027, details remain scarce, but hopes are high for a film that acknowledges both the character’s legacy and the lessons learned over the years. With the right script and creative vision, “King Conan” could well become another significant chapter in Schwarzenegger’s illustrious career, captivating audiences around the world once again.