Action cinema legend Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to reprise one of his most career-defining roles under the guidance of a premier Hollywood filmmaker. The veteran star recently confirmed that the Cimmerian warrior will return to the silver screen in King Conan. The project is being spearheaded by Christopher McQuarrie—the creative force behind the most recent Mission: Impossible installments—who is slated to both write and direct the film for Disney’s 20th Century Studios.
Speaking with TheArnoldFans, Schwarzenegger expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “They’ve secured an incredible writer and director, the same talent responsible for Tom Cruise’s latest four features. He is officially on board to craft and helm King Conan.” Describing the narrative scope, Schwarzenegger teased a poignant saga: “It’s a compelling story centered on Conan after forty years on the throne. He finds himself ousted from his kingdom, sparking a grand conflict. It’s a journey of reclamation filled with brutal action, sorcery, and fantastical creatures.”
The concept of King Conan, inspired by the original literary works of Robert E. Howard, has languished in development hell for decades. A late-90s attempt was derailed when Schwarzenegger pivoted to politics as the Governor of California. Subsequent efforts in the 2010s, including a proposed project titled Legend of Conan, similarly failed to gain momentum before this recent revival.
Now 78, Schwarzenegger is a far cry from the 35-year-old powerhouse who starred in John Milius’s 1982 masterpiece. However, the actor is quick to dismiss concerns regarding his age, noting that the screenplay will reflect his current stage of life. “The character is being written as age-appropriate,” he explained. “I’m not playing a 40-year-old. I’ll still be getting into the thick of the action, but the approach will be grounded in where the character is now.”
McQuarrie’s involvement marks a significant shift in his career trajectory. For the better part of the last decade, he has been inextricably linked with Tom Cruise, directing or writing ten of the star’s projects, including the critically acclaimed Top Gun: Maverick and the high-water marks of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Rogue Nation and Fallout. This venture into high fantasy represents a rare departure from his contemporary espionage and thriller roots.
The return of the Barbarian may be just the beginning of a nostalgic wave for the actor. Schwarzenegger also hinted that 20th Century Studios is eager to revisit his other classic franchises. He mentioned that Dan Trachtenberg, the filmmaker currently steering the Predator series, has expressed interest in bringing his character, Dutch, back into the fold. Furthermore, a script for a potential sequel to the 1985 cult classic Commando is reportedly in existence.
Source: Polygon
