Arnold Schwarzenegger To Reprise ‘Conan The Barbarian’ Role in Universal Reboot

Given his age alone, this is not a story that we ever really expected to be reporting, but Universal is now announcing that they just made a deal to make “The Legend Of Conan,” with Arnold Schwarzenegger back in the lead role that he first played in 1982.

Fredrik Malmberg, who produced the last film starring Jason Mamoa, feels that this new film is the “the version of the film that he and everybody else always wanted to see on the screen but couldn’t while Schwarzenegger was Governor of California.”

Here’s what he told the people at Deadline:
“The original ended with Arnold on the throne as a seasoned warrior, and this is the take of the film we will make,” Malmberg told me. “It’s that Nordic Viking mythic guy who has played the role of king, warrior, soldier and mercenary, and who has bedded more women than anyone, nearing the last cycle of his life. He knows he’ll be going to Valhalla, and wants to go out with a good battle.”

Mamoa will not be returning to play any role. In fact from a continuity perspective, they are skipping both that film and the original sequel from the 80’s and focusing directly on tying this film to the first film that was directed by John Milius.

This movie picks up Conan where Arnold is now in his life, and we will be able to use the fact that he has aged in this story. Think of this as Conan’s Unforgiven.”

Here’s what Arnold had to say about the film:

“I always loved the Conan character and I’m honored to be asked to step into the role once again. I can’t wait to work with Universal and the great team of Fredrik Malmberg and Chris Morgan to develop the next step of this truly epic story.”

Source: Deadline