Conan 3: Will Arnold Schwarzenegger Return?

The big question on everyone's mind, especially for fans of the Barbarian franchise, is: will Arnold Schwarzenegger ever reprise his iconic role as Conan in a third movie? For decades, rumors and whispers have circulated about a potential King Conan film, also known as Conan the Conqueror, promising to bring a final chapter to the saga of the Cimmerian warrior. Let's dive deep into the history, the hurdles, and the hopes surrounding this elusive project.

The Legend of Conan: A Storied History

The original Conan the Barbarian, released in 1982, catapulted Arnold Schwarzenegger to superstardom. Its blend of sword and sorcery, epic battles, and a compelling revenge narrative struck a chord with audiences worldwide. The 1984 sequel, Conan the Destroyer, while commercially successful, received mixed reviews, with many feeling it lacked the grit and intensity of its predecessor. Despite this, the desire for a proper conclusion to Conan's journey has persisted.

Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to revive the franchise. From television series to reboots, Conan has seen various iterations, but none have quite captured the magic of the original films starring Schwarzenegger. The concept of King Conan emerged as a promising avenue, envisioning an older, wiser Conan returning to reclaim his throne and face new threats. This idea resonated with fans who longed to see Schwarzenegger back in the role, portraying a seasoned warrior-king.

However, the path to King Conan has been fraught with challenges. Script issues, studio hesitations, and Schwarzenegger's own busy schedule have all contributed to the project's prolonged development hell. Despite these obstacles, the dream of seeing Schwarzenegger as Conan one last time has never completely faded.

The Hurdles and Challenges

Bringing Arnold Schwarzenegger back for Conan 3 isn't as simple as it sounds, guys. Numerous factors have played a role in the project's on-again, off-again status. Here are some of the main hurdles:

• Schwarzenegger's Availability: After his tenure as the Governor of California, Schwarzenegger returned to acting with a vengeance. His schedule has been packed with Terminator sequels, action flicks, and other high-profile projects. Finding a window where he can dedicate the necessary time and energy to a Conan film is a significant challenge.
• Script and Story: A Conan movie isn't just about muscles and battles; it needs a compelling story that honors the source material and provides a satisfying conclusion to Conan's arc. Developing a script that meets these criteria has been a major stumbling block. Many iterations have been written, but none have quite clicked with all parties involved.
• Studio Hesitations: Big-budget movies are a gamble, and studios are understandably cautious. They need to be convinced that a Conan sequel, especially one starring an older Schwarzenegger, will be a box office success. Securing the necessary funding and greenlight from a major studio requires a strong script, a solid marketing plan, and a belief in the project's potential.
• Creative Differences: Getting everyone on the same page creatively can be tough. Directors, writers, producers, and even Schwarzenegger himself may have different visions for the film. Reconciling these differences and forging a unified creative direction is essential for the project's success.

The Hopes and Possibilities

Despite the challenges, hope remains alive for Conan 3. Schwarzenegger himself has expressed enthusiasm for the project on multiple occasions, indicating that he's open to reprising the role if the script and circumstances are right. His continued interest is a major boost for the film's prospects.

Moreover, the enduring popularity of the Conan character and the franchise's dedicated fanbase provide a strong incentive for studios to reconsider the project. The success of other legacy sequels, such as Mad Max: Fury Road and Terminator: Dark Fate, demonstrates that audiences are willing to embrace older action heroes returning to their iconic roles.

Technological advancements in filmmaking could also play a role. De-aging technology, while still evolving, could potentially be used to mitigate the effects of time on Schwarzenegger's appearance, allowing him to more closely resemble the Conan of the original films. However, the use of such technology would need to be carefully considered to avoid detracting from the character's authenticity.

What Schwarzenegger Has Said

Arnold Schwarzenegger himself has been a key source of information and speculation regarding Conan 3. He has consistently expressed his desire to return to the role, emphasizing that he feels a strong connection to the character. In various interviews, he has discussed the potential storyline for King Conan, envisioning a film that explores the challenges and responsibilities of leadership.

"I always loved the Conan character and I'm very happy with those movies," Schwarzenegger has said. "The dream is to do another one, a King Conan movie, where Conan is older and on the throne. It would be a great way to end the saga."

However, he has also acknowledged the difficulties in getting the project off the ground. He has cited script issues and studio hesitations as major obstacles, but he remains optimistic that the film will eventually come to fruition.

The Fans' Perspective

For the legions of Conan fans around the world, the prospect of Conan 3 is more than just a movie; it's the culmination of a lifelong dream. Many fans grew up watching Schwarzenegger as Conan, and they feel a deep connection to the character and the world created by Robert E. Howard.

The online community is abuzz with discussions, fan theories, and petitions urging studios to make Conan 3 a reality. Fans are eager to see Schwarzenegger return to the role, believing that he is the only actor who can truly capture the essence of Conan.

The fans' unwavering support is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Conan franchise and the impact that Schwarzenegger has had on their lives. Their passion and dedication serve as a constant reminder to studios and filmmakers that there is a strong demand for a proper conclusion to Conan's story.

Potential Storylines for Conan 3

So, what could Conan 3, or King Conan, be about? Here are a few potential storylines that have been discussed over the years:

• Conan on the Throne: This storyline would focus on Conan as the King of Aquilonia, facing the challenges of ruling a kingdom while battling internal and external threats. It would explore the complexities of leadership, the burden of responsibility, and the sacrifices that Conan must make to protect his people.
• The Return of Thulsa Doom: A resurrected Thulsa Doom, Conan's nemesis from the first film, could emerge as a new threat, seeking revenge and attempting to plunge the world into darkness. This storyline would provide a direct connection to the original film and offer a satisfying resolution to their epic rivalry.
• Conan's Legacy: This storyline could focus on Conan training a successor to take his place as the protector of Aquilonia. It would explore themes of mentorship, legacy, and the passing of the torch to a new generation of warriors.
• A Quest for a Lost Artifact: Conan could embark on a perilous quest to retrieve a lost artifact of immense power, facing treacherous enemies and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This storyline would allow for plenty of action and adventure, while also delving into the lore and mythology of the Conan universe.

The Future of Conan

As of now, the future of Conan 3 remains uncertain. While there is no official confirmation that the film will ever be made, the possibility remains alive as long as Schwarzenegger and the fans continue to express their desire for it.

In the meantime, the Conan universe continues to thrive in other forms. Comic books, novels, and video games keep the character alive and introduce him to new audiences. A new television series is also in development, promising to bring a fresh perspective to the Conan mythos.

Whether or not Conan 3 ever sees the light of day, the legacy of Conan the Barbarian will endure. The character's enduring appeal and Schwarzenegger's iconic portrayal have cemented their place in pop culture history.

So, will Arnold return as Conan? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the dream of King Conan lives on!