King Conan Sequel Officially Confirmed for 2027 Production Start
The 78-year-old action legend returns as the aging barbarian king in a mature fantasy tale inspired by Unforgiven. Christopher McQuarrie will write and direct the 20th Century Studios production.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has officially confirmed that King Conan is happening, with production set to begin in 2027. According to Arnold Schwarzenegger's interview with TheArnoldFans.com, (via The Hollywood Reporter), the 78-year-old actor will return to his iconic role, with Christopher McQuarrie attached to write and direct for 20th Century Studios.
Key Takeaways
- Arnold Schwarzenegger confirmed King Conan will begin shooting in 2027.
- Christopher McQuarrie will write and direct the sequel for 20th Century Studios.
- The film will feature an older, complacent King Conan facing new threats after 40 years on the throne.
- Schwarzenegger compared the tone to Clint Eastwood's 'Unforgiven' but with extraordinary battles.
- The actor has been pushing for this sequel for the past decade.
What took so long?
Schwarzenegger revealed he's been pushing for this project for over a decade. "For the last 10 years, I have been saying, 'We should do King Conan, and we should get a great script written, get someone who really understands Robert E. Howard, that understands the artwork of Frank Frazetta and to continue on,'" he explained.
The timing, however, is now perfect for the story they want to tell. Unlike a typical action sequel, King Conan requires its protagonist to be genuinely older and weathered by time.
Schwarzenegger wants original director John Milius involved as a producer, which would bring the creative vision full circle. This attention to the source material and original film's legacy suggests they're taking the project seriously rather than rushing into production.
The 'Unforgiven' approach to fantasy
According to Schwarzenegger, King Conan will explore themes of ageing and complacency rarely seen in fantasy films. "The whole idea of King Conan is that, for 40 years, he has been king. He is older now. He is no longer in the shape he was from his heyday, and now people are trying to take him out," he said.
The actor specifically compared the tone to Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven, describing a character who's "tired of the job, and he wants to move on." But this being Conan, audiences can still expect "extraordinary battles" alongside the mature storytelling.
With Conan the Barbarian, having Christopher McQuarrie attached brings confidence in strong action storytelling, while the planned 2027 production timeline and Arnold Schwarzenegger's age also raise understandable concerns about delays, feasibility, and whether McQuarrie's grounded style fully matches the larger fantasy tone fans expect from Conan.
What this means for the franchise
This announcement signals a significant revival for a franchise that's been dormant since 2011's poorly received Conan the Barbarian reboot with Jason Momoa. Schwarzenegger last played the character in 1984's Conan the Destroyer.
McQuarrie's involvement is particularly intriguing. Known for the recent Mission: Impossible films, he brings a track record of complex action sequences and character-driven storytelling. Whether his grounded, realistic approach will mesh with the fantastical elements of Robert E. Howard's world remains to be seen.
For UAE cinema audiences, this represents the return of a beloved 1980s action icon to one of his most memorable roles, similar to how recent legacy sequels have performed well in regional markets.
When and where to expect King Conan
Production begins in 2027, but no official release date has been announced yet. Given typical production and post-production timelines for major studio fantasy films, audiences could expect King Conan in cinemas by 2028 or 2029.
The film will be distributed by 20th Century Studios, ensuring wide theatrical release in the UAE and across the GCC region when it arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is King Conan actually happening?
Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger confirmed the sequel is a reality and will begin shooting in 2027, with Christopher McQuarrie attached to write and direct for 20th Century Studios.
Who is directing King Conan?
Christopher McQuarrie, known for directing the recent Mission: Impossible films, is attached to write and direct the sequel.
What is the plot of King Conan?
The film will feature an older King Conan, 40 years into his reign, who has become complacent and faces new threats. Schwarzenegger compared the tone to Clint Eastwood's 'Unforgiven' but with extraordinary battles.
When will King Conan be released?
Production starts in 2027, but no official release date has been announced. Based on typical production timelines, the film could arrive in cinemas by 2028 or 2029.
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