At almost 80 years old, Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to step in front of the camera one more time and has his sights set on the role that made him world famous: Conan the Barbarian. 20th Century Studios has brought on board a director who has had successes in the past.
What role is that?
- Conan the Barbarian is a character that appears in several short stories by the American author Robert E. Howard. The setting is the “hyborian age”, a harsh world with some influences from cultures of our own.
- After his parents and the rest of his tribe are killed by outsiders, and he and other children are enslaved, Conan grows stronger, fights as a gladiator, and eventually takes revenge on the murderers. He later ascends to become king.
- Conan the Barbarian is the role that marked Arnold Schwarzenegger’s big breakthrough – though an accident on the first day almost ended his career.
This is known about the film: The film titled “King Conan” is currently in development at 20th Century Studios, according to the Hollywood Reporter. This is the fourth film featuring the legendary barbarian after the first two films with Schwarzenegger that were released in 1982 and 1984, and the 2011 remake with Jason Momoa, which became a 90-million-dollar flop.
Christopher McQuarrie is signed on as director, who most recently directed the four latest installments of the Mission: Impossible series. Schwarzenegger reveals a bit about the plot himself in a conversation with his fans (via polygon):
A great, old story in which Conan was king for 40 years and is now forced to leave his kingdom. Naturally, there is a conflict, but somehow he returns, and there are all kinds of madness, violence, magic, creatures, and stuff.
Schwarzenegger is now 78 years old and knows he can no longer play the barbarian in his prime. However, he promises: “It will be adapted to age. I will still kick butt, but it will be different.”
Here’s a bit of nostalgia for you:
Conan the Barbarian – An Icon, Even in Gaming
The role of Conan was not only a significant point in Schwarzenegger’s life but has also inspired many other media, including two major MMOs or multiplayer games: the brutal MMORPG Age of Conan and the survival game Conan Exiles.
One could argue that only Conan the Barbarian himself serves as inspiration, but Schwarzenegger’s acting performance has also been just as influential, prompting the developers to implement Arnie statues in Conan Exiles.
In addition to his role as Conan the Barbarian, Schwarzenegger is also eyeing roles in a future Predator and a Commando film. When these films or King Conan will be released is still unknown.
Conan the Barbarian is legendary not only because of his tragic story but also due to his chiseled appearance. Schwarzenegger, who was a bodybuilder for a long time, has put his stamp on the muscle-packed, large warrior with sun-kissed skin. It is all the more exciting that he was considered too small for a similar role: The great Arnold Schwarzenegger was too small for one of Marvel’s iconic characters and was rejected.
