Arnold Schwarzenegger is making a long-awaited comeback as Conan the Barbarian, the character that launched his career in 1982, with a new film planned decades after the original series. This marks his return to the role after 44 years, reviving the story of the sword-wielding hero created by author Robert E. Howard. Schwarzenegger announced the news during the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, revealing that Christopher McQuarrie, known for his work on the Mission: Impossible films, will direct the next installment titled King Conan.
Plot Details and Production Plans Revealed
Schwarzenegger described the film’s storyline, explaining that it follows Conan who, after ruling a kingdom for 40 years, becomes complacent before being forced out of his throne. He said this triggers a series of conflicts filled with intense action, magic, and fantastical creatures.
“Now, of course, you have all the special effects, and the studio system has plenty of money to make those movies really big,”
Schwarzenegger noted, emphasizing how modern technology will enhance the film.
The original Conan the Barbarian movie earned $68 million and led to a sequel, Conan the Destroyer, released in 1984. Plans for a third film fell through in the late 1980s. A 2011 reboot starring Jason Momoa was poorly received by critics and underperformed at the box office, making Schwarzenegger’s return notable for fans of the franchise and the actor.
Additional Roles and Future Projects Announced
Alongside his Conan return, Schwarzenegger shared plans to revisit other classic roles, including the Predator franchise and the 1985 action film Commando, where he portrayed a tough retired Green Beret soldier. His recent appearances include a role in Terminator: Dark Fate (2019), although that film did not meet critical or commercial expectations.
He also has upcoming projects such as Kung Fury 2, an action-packed martial arts drama starring Michael Fassbender, and The Man With the Bag, where he plays a troubled Santa Claus dealing with the theft of his sack by a small-time criminal.
The Significance of Schwarzenegger’s Return to Conan
Schwarzenegger’s return to Conan signals a revival of a beloved character integral to his rise as a movie star and to the fantasy genre’s cinematic history. With a seasoned director like Christopher McQuarrie at the helm and modern production resources, the new film aims to reestablish Conan’s legacy for a new generation. This comeback not only sparks interest among longtime fans but also highlights Schwarzenegger’s enduring presence in Hollywood decades after his peak as both an actor and political figure in California.
