Arnold Schwarzenegger has made a deal to return to the fantasy adventure Conan franchise, after 20 years, in THE LEGEND OF CONAN.

This news of going back to the original film canon comes only a year after the reboot of CONAN THE BARBARIAN hit our screens starring Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones, Stargate Atlantis) in the titular role. Movie goers didn’t take to the 2011 Conan as well as Arnie’s versions, despite faster pacing and an actor who resembled the comic book Conan more closely than Arnold.

The film is in the hands of Paradox Entertainment and as with the 2011 film will be produced by Fredrik Malmberg who will also be joined by Chris Morgan. THE LEGEND OF CONAN, will follow on from the 2nd film in the series, CONAN THE DESTROYER (1984),

“The original ended with Arnold on the throne as a seasoned warrior, and this is the take of the film we will make,” Malmberg tells. “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.”

Furthering the story of one of Arnie’s best known roles sounds like a good move, and a believable role for Schwarzenegger rather than some of the films he starred in just before he flirted with politics and became Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. His appearance in THE EXPENDABLES, didn’t have people convinced about his return to acting and the trailer for THE LAST STAND (UK release date 25 January 2013), doesn’t seem to have gone down too well either.

The character was created by Robert E. Howard and was first seen in the 1970 Marvel comic book Conan the Barbarian, there was even a comic series which ran called King Conan in the 1980’s.
There is a long history of there being an interest in the character, the film just needs to be done in the right way, maybe the reason for Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Conan sinking was the fact no Camels were punched. Let’s hope Malmberg takes that into account this time!

Source: Deadline

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