Arnold Schwarzenegger Confirms King Conan Film Will Begin Shooting in 2027

The wait for the next chapter in the barbarian’s saga is finally over. Arnold Schwarzenegger has officially confirmed that the long-rumored sequel, King Conan, is not just a possibility but a tangible reality, with production set to commence in 2027.

The action legend dropped the news while speaking with TheArnoldFans.com to celebrate the 44th anniversary of the original 1982 classic, Conan the Barbarian. After years of speculation and development hell, Schwarzenegger gave definitive clarity on the project's status.

“Next year we are going to do King Conan,” Schwarzenegger stated. “So that is a reality now and I am excited about it.”

The Vision for the Sequel

For the past decade, Schwarzenegger has been vocal about his desire to continue the story, but he insisted on specific creative guardrails to make it work. He emphasized that the project requires a script that deeply respects the source material and the iconic visual style of the franchise.

According to Schwarzenegger, the team must:

  • Secure a great script that captures the essence of the character.
  • Find collaborators who truly understand the legacy of Robert E. Howard, the author of the original stories.
  • Ensure the film honors the artwork of Frank Frazetta, whose illustrations defined Conan’s visual identity for generations.

Schwarzenegger noted that the goal has always been to continue the narrative in a way that feels authentic to the world he helped bring to life.

Why Now? The Perfect Storm for King Conan

While fans have waited for the barbarian to return to the big screen, Schwarzenegger argues that 2027 is actually the ideal time for the story to be told. He believes his current age adds a necessary layer of depth to the character that wasn't possible during the first film.

“The movie wouldn’t have worked after I did the first Conan because the whole idea of King Conan is that for 40 years he has been king, he is older now,” Schwarzenegger explained.

In this new installment, Conan is no longer the peak physical specimen of his heyday. Instead, he is a ruler who has become complacent, tired of the job, and ready to move on. However, his peace is threatened as old enemies seek to dismantle his reign. Schwarzenegger compared the tone to Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, describing it as a story about a weary protagonist who is forced back into violence, albeit with "extraordinary battles."

Creative Team and Future Plans

To help shepherd this project, Schwarzenegger is hoping to bring back John Milius, the director of the original Conan the Barbarian, to serve as a producer. Milius’s involvement would ensure the new film stays true to the gritty, mythic tone of the original.

Reports indicate that Christopher McQuarrie, the director behind the last four Mission: Impossible films, is attached to write and direct King Conan. This marks a significant shift from the fantasy-action roots of the original to a more grounded, character-driven approach, though it remains to be seen how McQuarrie will balance that style with the franchise's over-the-top spectacle.

A Promise Finally Kept

The original Conan the Barbarian ended with a promise that would linger for decades. After the events of the film, Conan and his companions departed to seek new adventures, fighting in countless wars before “he became a king by his own hand.” This future was reiterated in the ending of 1984’s Conan the Destroyer, which promised that “this story shall also be told.”

With King Conan now scheduled to shoot in 2027, that promise appears ready to be fulfilled.

Schwarzenegger’s announcement also comes amidst news of his continued activity in Hollywood. Earlier this year, he revealed ongoing talks with Predator: Badlands director Dan Trachtenberg about reprising his role as Dutch, alongside potential developments for a Commando 2. But for now, the focus remains squarely on the barbarian king.

It may take time, but the era of Conan is far from over.