When Arnold Schwarzenegger transitioned from the political arena back to Hollywood, speculation ran rampant.Would he return to the Terminator franchise? Perhaps reunite with fellow action movie titans? Or even, though less likely, revisit his memorable portrayal of Mr. Freeze? While fans pondered these possibilities, a less expected prospect emerged: a return to Conan the Barbarian, the character that helped launch his career.

In 1982, two years prior to his collaboration with James Cameron on The Terminator, Schwarzenegger starred in Conan the Barbarian, a sword-and-sorcery epic. Based on Robert E. Howard’s iconic character, the film depicted a vengeful Conan seeking retribution against a malevolent cult leader responsible for his parents’ deaths. The film’s success led to a sequel, conan the Destroyer, in 1984 and solidified Schwarzenegger’s status as a major movie star. The film’s violence and themes of revenge, while captivating, also sparked debate about on-screen representation of brutality, a conversation that continues to resonate with American audiences today.

The Unfulfilled Legend: A Conan Comeback That Never Was

Following Conan the Destroyer, the Conan series remained dormant save for a critically panned 2011 reboot featuring Jason Momoa. With Schwarzenegger’s return to acting, buzz began about him revisiting his breakout role in a project titled The Legend of Conan. This film would portray an older,more seasoned Conan,played by Schwarzenegger.

Chris Morgan, a writer from the Fast and Furious franchise who was involved in the project, explained the concept in an interview with Entertainment Weekly: Our take was Conan, 30 years later, a story like the Clint Eastwood Unforgiven. It was so awesome.

The comparison to Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992) makes perfect sense, given Schwarzenegger’s admiration for Eastwood. Unforgiven tells the story of an aging gunslinger drawn out of retirement for one final mission, ultimately winning ‘Best Picture’ at the Oscars. The themes of aging, morality, and violence resonated deeply with american audiences, setting a high bar for any potential Conan revival.

However, The Legend of Conan failed to materialize. Ultimately, the budget was big, the studio was not really sure of the title, and the relevance in the marketplace, Morgan revealed. They ended up letting it go. This highlights the challenges of reviving franchises, especially when studios are wary of large budgets and uncertain audience interest.

From Silver Screen to Streaming? The Elusive Television Series

Morgan mentioned tentative plans to adapt the script into a television series.However, given the lack of progress since the 2017 interview, the television project appears to be dead. This raises the question: Is the Conan franchise better suited for the big screen or the increasingly popular world of streaming television?

The current landscape of streaming services, with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, might offer a more viable avenue for a Conan revival. A high-quality television series could allow for deeper character growth, more intricate storylines, and a broader exploration of Howard’s Hyborian Age.

The Legacy of Conan: A Reflection on Reboots and Revivals

In a Hollywood obsessed with reboots and legacy sequels, perhaps it is indeed for the best that the Conan series remains in the past. Schwarzenegger’s post-political career Terminator films were poorly received, which could foreshadow the fate of Legend. Still, an older, more vulnerable Conan remains an intriguing concept. In the right hands, it could offer a fascinating new outlook on the character.

Considering the success of recent legacy sequels like Top Gun: Maverick and Creed, there is certainly an appetite for revisiting beloved characters with older actors. However, these films succeeded because they respected the original material while also offering something new and relevant to contemporary audiences. A Conan revival would need to strike a similar balance.

The Future of Conan: Will Schwarzenegger Don the Sandals Again?

while time remains for Schwarzenegger to reprise his role, the possibility diminishes with each passing year. The dreams of a Conan revival become fainter. At least, we have the originals to cherish.

The enduring appeal of Conan lies in his primal strength, his unwavering determination, and his ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. These themes continue to resonate with audiences, making Conan a timeless character worthy of revisiting. The key to a accomplished revival lies in finding the right story, the right creative team, and the right approach to honor the legacy of Robert E. Howard’s iconic creation.

Conan: By the Numbers