Arnold Schwarzenegger confirmed during the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio that he is negotiating to return to three legendary action franchises: “Predator,” “Conan the Barbarian,” and “Commando.” The actor shared details about ongoing discussions with studios to revive these popular series, signaling a new chapter for his iconic roles. Schwarzenegger’s involvement highlights renewed interest in his Arnold Schwarzenegger action franchises among filmmakers and fans alike.
Details on the Upcoming ‘Predator’ and ‘Commando’ Projects
Schwarzenegger revealed that the “Predator” franchise is moving forward under the direction of Dan Trachtenberg, who helmed a recent sequel with critical praise. Trachtenberg has invited Schwarzenegger to participate in the next installment. Fox Studios, recognizing Schwarzenegger’s enduring appeal, approached him with plans for both a new “Predator” film and a sequel titled “Commando 2.” The studio provided him with scripts that are tailored to his current age, allowing Schwarzenegger to continue his action hero legacy in a way that respects his maturity.
New Direction for ‘King Conan’ with High-Profile Filmmaker Attached
Regarding the “Conan” series, Schwarzenegger said the studio has hired an accomplished writer and director known for recent Tom Cruise projects to take the helm of “King Conan.” This likely refers to Christopher McQuarrie, who has collaborated extensively with Cruise on the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. Schwarzenegger described the storyline as focusing on Conan in his 40s as a king who faces upheaval, with elements of intense conflict, magic, and fantastical creatures. He expressed enthusiasm for the project’s substantial budget and ambitious special effects, suggesting a grand production.
Reflecting on Schwarzenegger’s History with the ‘Conan’ Franchise
Arnold Schwarzenegger originally portrayed Conan in the 1982 film “Conan the Barbarian” and its 1984 sequel “Conan the Destroyer,” marking his first major foray into action stardom. A 2011 reboot starring Jason Momoa did not meet box office expectations, grossing $63 million worldwide against an estimated $90 million budget. In his 2023 memoir and self-help book
“Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life,”
Schwarzenegger shared his challenging experience on the original “Conan” shoot under director John Milius, who pushed him to perform demanding stunts and endure harsh conditions.
Schwarzenegger’s Intense Preparations and Challenges on ‘Conan the Barbarian’
In his memoir, Schwarzenegger describes rigorous physical training and difficult filming tasks, recounting how he learned to ride horses, camels, and elephants, climbed ropes, and performed dangerous falls. He endured repeated takes of crawling through rocks until his forearms bled and recalled an incident where wild dogs attacked him on set. The actor also bit a dead vulture for a scene, necessitating mouth rinses with alcohol after each take. During the early days of filming, he sustained a back injury requiring 40 stitches.
“I learned to ride horses and camels and elephants. I learned how to jump from large rocks, how to climb and swing from long ropes, how to fall from a height,” Schwarzenegger writes. “I basically went to another vocational school, this one for aspiring action heroes. Then on top of that, Milius had me doing all kinds of terrible shit. I crawled through rocks, take after take, until my forearms bled. I ran from wild dogs that managed to catch me and pull me into a thorn bush. I bit a real dead vulture that required I wash my mouth out with alcohol after each take. (PETA would have a field day with that one). On one of the first days of filming, I tore a gash on my back that required 40 stitches.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor and Author
Schwarzenegger’s Recent ‘Predator’ Appearance and Future Prospects
Last year, Schwarzenegger returned briefly to the “Predator” universe in an animated anthology titled “Predator: Killer of Killers,” where his character, Major Alan “Dutch” Schaefer, appears in suspended animation. This cameo laid the groundwork for further involvement in upcoming films. The continued partnership with Fox Studios and director Dan Trachtenberg points to a revitalized focus on the “Predator” franchise, blending nostalgia with modern filmmaking techniques.
Anticipated Impact and Future of Schwarzenegger’s Iconic Roles
The revival of these franchises marks a significant moment in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career, reconnecting him with roles that defined his rise to fame. The willingness of studios to produce age-appropriate scripts suggests a respectful reinvention rather than a simple reboot. With high-caliber talent attached and strong financial backing, these projects aim to combine classic action storytelling with contemporary visual effects and production values, potentially reinvigorating fan interest worldwide. Schwarzenegger’s return may inspire a new generation of viewers to explore his famed characters while providing longtime followers with fresh narratives and action-packed adventures.
