Conan 3: Will Arnold Schwarzenegger Return?

Hey guys! For fans of epic sword-and-sorcery flicks, the name Conan conjures up images of a hulking, muscle-bound warrior cleaving his way through hordes of enemies. And when you think of Conan on the big screen, you immediately think of Arnold Schwarzenegger, right? He IS Conan! We all remember the magic of Conan the Barbarian (1982) and Conan the Destroyer (1984). But the question that’s been echoing through the halls of movie Valhalla for decades is: Will we ever see Conan 3 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger?

The Legend of Conan: A Saga of Unfulfilled Prophecies

For what seems like ages, there’s been talk, rumors, and whispers about a third Conan movie with Schwarzenegger back in the loincloth. This mythical sequel has gone by several names, most notably The Legend of Conan. The premise? A grizzled, older Conan, now a king, is forced to pick up his sword one last time for a final, epic adventure. Sounds awesome, doesn't it? The core concept is incredibly compelling. Seeing an older, wiser Conan facing new challenges could be a fantastic way to revisit the character and the world Robert E. Howard created.

The original plan, as far back as the early 2000s, was for this film to be a direct sequel to the original Conan the Barbarian, effectively ignoring Conan the Destroyer. This makes sense, as the second film, while fun, veered more into a lighthearted, family-friendly adventure, which wasn't quite the tone of the first movie or the source material. The idea of a darker, more mature Conan story was definitely appealing to fans who longed for the gritty realism of the original.

Over the years, various writers and directors have been attached to The Legend of Conan. Scripts were written, concepts were pitched, and there was even a time when it felt like the movie was actually going to happen. Schwarzenegger himself has expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, repeatedly stating his desire to return to the role that helped launch his career into the stratosphere. Can you imagine Arnold back in that role? It’s enough to make any fan’s heart pound!

However, despite all the positive energy and the clear demand from fans, The Legend of Conan has languished in development hell. Studio politics, rights issues, and the ever-shifting landscape of Hollywood have all contributed to the movie's prolonged absence. It's a frustrating situation for fans who have been eagerly awaiting this sequel for decades. We’re talking decades, guys! That’s a long time to wait for a movie!

What Happened to Conan the Conqueror?

To really understand the saga of Conan 3, we need to rewind a bit further, back to the mid-1980s. After the success of the first two Conan films, there were plans for a third movie, originally titled Conan the Conqueror. This film would have seen Conan as a king, much like the premise of The Legend of Conan. This is where things get interesting. The original plan for Conan the Conqueror was scrapped, but the idea of Conan as a king stuck around. This concept eventually morphed into another movie starring Schwarzenegger, but with a different character: Kull the Conqueror (1997). This movie, based on another Robert E. Howard character, shares some thematic similarities with the planned Conan sequel, but it's not quite the same, is it? While Kull has its fans, it never reached the same level of popularity or critical acclaim as the Conan films.

So, in a way, we did get to see Schwarzenegger play a kingly warrior inspired by Robert E. Howard, but it wasn't Conan. This is a crucial piece of the puzzle when we consider why Conan 3 has been so difficult to bring to the screen. The shadow of Kull the Conqueror, while not a direct obstacle, represents a detour in the journey of Conan on film. It shows that the idea of Schwarzenegger as a barbarian king has been explored before, but not with the character we truly wanted to see.

The 2011 Conan Reboot: A Missed Opportunity?

In 2011, there was another attempt to revive the Conan franchise with a reboot simply titled Conan the Barbarian, starring Jason Momoa in the titular role. Now, Momoa is a fantastic actor, and he certainly looks the part of Conan. He’s got the physique, the intensity, and the charisma to pull it off. However, the 2011 reboot, while having some moments of brutal action, failed to capture the magic of the original films. It received mixed reviews and didn't perform particularly well at the box office. This is a crucial point in the story of Conan 3. The failure of the reboot arguably made it even harder to get another Conan movie off the ground, especially one starring Schwarzenegger.

Think about it from a studio perspective. They just invested a significant amount of money in a Conan movie, and it didn't pay off. This makes them hesitant to greenlight another one, especially a legacy sequel that might be perceived as a risk. The reboot's performance cast a shadow over the entire franchise, making it more challenging to convince executives that a Conan 3 with Schwarzenegger is a viable project. It's a classic case of one project impacting the fate of another, even though they are technically separate entities. The 2011 reboot, while intended to revitalize the franchise, may have inadvertently pushed The Legend of Conan further into the realm of wishful thinking.

The Roadblocks to Conan 3: Why Is It So Hard to Make?

So, why has Conan 3, particularly The Legend of Conan, been such a challenge to bring to the screen? There are several factors at play, creating a perfect storm of obstacles that have prevented this movie from becoming a reality.

• Rights Issues: The rights to the Conan character and the various stories have been tangled in a web of ownership for years. Different companies own different aspects of the franchise, making it difficult to secure all the necessary permissions to make a new movie. This is a common problem in Hollywood, especially with long-running franchises like Conan. Untangling these legal complexities can take years, and it's often a major hurdle for any potential project.
• Studio Hesitation: As mentioned earlier, the failure of the 2011 reboot made studios wary of investing in another Conan movie. They need to be convinced that there's a strong enough audience to justify the expense, and the reboot's performance didn't exactly inspire confidence. This is a purely business decision, but it's a significant one. Studios are in the business of making money, and they need to see a clear path to profitability before they commit to a project.
• Schwarzenegger's Availability: While Arnold Schwarzenegger has consistently expressed his desire to return as Conan, his schedule is also a factor. He's a busy guy, juggling acting roles, political endeavors, and other commitments. Finding a window in his schedule that aligns with the production timeline of a potential Conan movie can be tricky. This is a challenge with any major star, but especially with someone as in-demand as Schwarzenegger.
• Creative Vision: Finding the right creative team to bring Conan 3 to life is crucial. The filmmakers need to understand the character, the world, and the tone of the original stories. They also need to have a compelling vision for the story that will resonate with fans. This is not just about making an action movie; it's about capturing the spirit of Conan and delivering a film that lives up to the legacy of the originals. Finding that perfect creative synergy is often a challenge in Hollywood.

These factors, combined with the general uncertainties of the movie-making process, have created a formidable barrier to Conan 3. It's a frustrating situation for fans, but it's also a testament to the enduring appeal of the character and the world of Conan.

Hope Remains: Will We Ever See Conan the King?

Despite all the challenges, hope for Conan 3 isn't entirely extinguished. Schwarzenegger's enthusiasm remains a significant factor, and there's always the possibility that the right combination of circumstances could align to make the movie a reality. The entertainment industry is unpredictable, and what seems impossible today might be entirely feasible tomorrow.

The recent success of legacy sequels like Top Gun: Maverick and Halloween shows that audiences are eager to see older actors revisit iconic roles. This trend could potentially pave the way for Conan 3. If a studio sees the potential for a similar success with Conan, they might be more willing to take a chance on the project.

Another factor to consider is the evolving landscape of streaming services. With companies like Netflix and Amazon constantly seeking new content, there's a possibility that Conan 3 could find a home on a streaming platform. This could offer more creative freedom and potentially a larger budget than a traditional theatrical release.

Ultimately, the fate of Conan 3 remains uncertain. But as long as there are fans who remember the glory days of Conan the Barbarian and Conan the Destroyer, there will be hope for a final chapter in the saga of Conan the King. We'll keep our swords sharpened and our fingers crossed, hoping that one day, we'll see Arnold Schwarzenegger back in Cimmeria, ready to conquer one last time.

What do you guys think? Will we ever see Conan 3? Let me know in the comments below!