The sword-and-sorcery genre is hinting at a return, following the success of recent fantasy and sci-fi hits like this year’s Masters of the Universe and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune remake. Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to revive one of his most iconic properties, Conan the Barbarian, by collaborating with Christopher McQuarrie, known primarily for his work with Tom Cruise. This potential revival aims to reawaken interest in the classic ‘80s adventure through a new film titled King Conan.
Christopher McQuarrie’s Role in the New Conan Film
Christopher McQuarrie, who has been a pivotal creative figure behind Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible films and co-writer of Top Gun: Maverick, has been brought on board for the Conan reboot. Schwarzenegger revealed during the Arnold Sports Festival that McQuarrie has been hired to both write and direct the upcoming movie. This pairing hopes to blend McQuarrie’s action expertise with Schwarzenegger’s legendary warrior character on the big screen once more.
“Fox Studios has kind of rediscovered ‘Arnold,’”
Schwarzenegger shared.
“They just hired him to write and direct King Conan,”
he added, referring to McQuarrie’s involvement.
King Conan’s Storyline and Character Evolution
King Conan promises to pick up the saga decades after the character’s last big-screen appearance. According to reports, the story will find Conan reigning peacefully as the king of Aquilonia for 40 years before being violently ousted from his throne. Forced back into a life filled with chaos, magic, and dangerous creatures, Conan will have to reclaim his kingdom by any means necessary. Schwarzenegger has expressed enthusiasm for returning to this role, while noting that the character’s age will influence the film’s tone and action.
“write [King Conan] to be age-appropriate. I’ll still go in there and kick some ass, but it will be different… They don’t write them like I’m 40 years old.”
Previous Conan Films and Market Context
Schwarzenegger originally starred in two Conan films during the early 1980s: 1982’s Conan the Barbarian and 1984’s Conan the Destroyer. While the latter was a modest commercial success, grossing approximately $30 million against an $18 million budget, neither film achieved blockbuster status. Years later, a 2011 reboot starring Jason Momoa failed to meet box office expectations, earning $63 million against a $90 million production cost. Despite this, there is speculation about the potential for the franchise to find new life in today’s cinematic landscape.
The original Conan films, based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ fantasy character, captured a distinct blend of gritty adventure and mythic storytelling that has become rare in modern cinema. Schwarzenegger’s return and McQuarrie’s direction could rekindle this unique style for contemporary audiences.
Potential Impact of the Conan Revival and Future Prospects
Though there is no official confirmation from McQuarrie or the studios, Schwarzenegger’s comments indicate serious intent to move forward with King Conan. If successful, the film could rejuvenate interest in a genre that has largely faded from mainstream popularity. Schwarzenegger’s continued involvement in action films demonstrates his enduring appeal, even as he acknowledges the need for a storyline that fits his current age and capabilities.
This revival would not only satisfy longtime fans but could also introduce a new generation to Conan’s brutal world. Bringing back a character like Conan, complete with intense battles and fantastical elements, might encourage Hollywood to revisit other lost adventure franchises. Schwarzenegger’s hopeful tone suggests that despite past setbacks, this project could mark a significant turning point for the franchise and the genre itself.
