Conan 3: Will Arnold Schwarzenegger Return To The Franchise?

Hey guys! The big question on everyone's mind, especially for us die-hard fans of the sword and sorcery genre, is: will we ever see Arnold Schwarzenegger back as Conan the Barbarian in a Conan 3? It’s a question that’s been swirling around the movie industry for decades, and today, we’re going to dive deep into the saga of Conan sequels, exploring the history, the rumors, and the possibilities of seeing the legendary Cimmerian warrior on the big screen once more.

The Legacy of Conan: A Barbarian's Tale

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Conan 3, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. The Conan saga began with Robert E. Howard's pulp fiction stories in the 1930s, introducing us to a world of savage adventure, dark magic, and epic battles. It wasn’t until 1982 that Conan truly exploded into the mainstream consciousness with John Milius's Conan the Barbarian, starring a then-rising star, Arnold Schwarzenegger. This film wasn't just an action movie; it was a visceral experience, filled with stunning visuals, a powerful score by Basil Poledouris, and Schwarzenegger's iconic portrayal of the brooding barbarian.

Two years later, we got Conan the Destroyer (1984), a sequel that, while commercially successful, took a different, more family-friendly approach. Many fans felt it lacked the grit and gravitas of the original. Since then, the idea of a true sequel, one that would do justice to Howard's vision and the first film’s legacy, has been a Holy Grail for Conan enthusiasts. The desire for a Conan 3 that captures the essence of the original—the dark, brutal, and heroic—remains strong.

The Long Road to a Third Conan Movie

The journey to a potential Conan 3 has been anything but smooth. Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to revive the franchise with Schwarzenegger back in the lead role. One of the most talked-about projects was King Conan: Crown of Iron, a film that would have seen an older, battle-worn Conan on the throne of Aquilonia, facing new threats to his kingdom. This concept was particularly appealing because it aligned with Howard's later Conan stories, which depicted him as a king.

Schwarzenegger himself was enthusiastic about the project for many years, expressing his desire to play an older Conan. He often spoke about the character's unfinished journey and the potential for a compelling story about a king reflecting on his violent past. However, the project languished in development hell for various reasons, including rights issues, script challenges, and studio hesitations. Despite the setbacks, the dream of seeing Schwarzenegger wield the Atlantean sword once more never entirely faded.

The Legend of Conan Hopes

In the early 2010s, there was a surge of hope when it was announced that a new Conan movie, tentatively titled The Legend of Conan, was in development. This project was touted as a direct sequel to the original 1982 film, ignoring Conan the Destroyer. It aimed to bring back the dark, mature tone that made the first movie so memorable. Chris Morgan, known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise, was attached to write the script, and there was a palpable buzz among fans.

Schwarzenegger was on board, and the filmmakers talked about drawing inspiration from Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven, envisioning a Conan who had grown weary of war but was drawn back into the fray for one last epic adventure. The premise was incredibly promising: a return to form, a chance to see Conan as a king grappling with his legacy, and Schwarzenegger back in the role that helped define his career. Concept art and story details leaked, further fueling excitement. Alas, this project, too, eventually stalled.

Why Conan 3 Hasn't Happened (Yet)

So, what’s the deal? Why haven’t we seen Conan 3 despite the obvious demand and Schwarzenegger’s willingness? There are several factors at play. The entertainment industry is a complex beast, and bringing a movie to life involves navigating a labyrinth of rights, finances, and creative visions. One of the primary obstacles has been the rights to the Conan character, which have changed hands multiple times over the years. This has led to legal entanglements and difficulties in securing the necessary permissions to move forward.

Another challenge is finding the right script. Conan fans are a passionate bunch, and they have high expectations. A sequel needs to honor the source material, capture the spirit of the original film, and offer a compelling story that justifies revisiting the character. This is a tall order, and several scripts have fallen short of the mark. The financial aspect also plays a significant role. Making a Conan movie with the scale and scope that fans expect requires a substantial investment, and studios need to be confident that the film will deliver a return on that investment.

The Netflix Series and the Future of Conan

Despite the setbacks in the movie realm, there’s still hope for Conan fans. In recent years, there’s been a renewed interest in the character, thanks in part to the success of fantasy shows like Game of Thrones and The Witcher. Netflix is currently developing a Conan television series, which could potentially breathe new life into the franchise. This series offers a chance to explore Conan's world in greater depth, adapt more of Howard's stories, and introduce the character to a new generation of viewers.

While a TV series is exciting, it doesn’t necessarily preclude a Conan 3 movie. In fact, a successful series could generate even more interest in seeing Schwarzenegger back on the big screen as Conan. The key will be finding the right story and the right creative team to make it happen. The enduring appeal of Conan lies in his timeless heroism, his fierce independence, and his ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. These are qualities that resonate with audiences today, just as they did when Howard first created the character.

Will Arnold Schwarzenegger Return?

So, the million-dollar question remains: Will Arnold Schwarzenegger ever return as Conan? The answer, as with many things in Hollywood, is a resounding “maybe.” Schwarzenegger has repeatedly expressed his love for the character and his desire to revisit the role. In various interviews, he’s talked about the potential for a Conan 3 that would explore the character's later years, his reflections on a life of battle, and his struggles with leadership.

However, Schwarzenegger is also realistic about the challenges involved. He’s emphasized the importance of having a great script and a compelling vision for the film. He’s not interested in simply cashing in on nostalgia; he wants to do justice to the character and the fans. Given his age and busy schedule, the window of opportunity may be closing, but Schwarzenegger’s passion for the role should not be underestimated. If the right project comes along, it’s not impossible to imagine him donning the fur loincloth and wielding the Atlantean sword one last time.

The Fans' Enduring Hope for Conan 3

For fans, the dream of Conan 3 lives on. The character of Conan has a unique place in popular culture, representing a blend of brute strength, cunning intelligence, and unwavering determination. He’s a barbarian, yes, but he’s also a hero—a symbol of human potential and the will to survive against all odds. The stories of Conan resonate because they tap into primal themes of struggle, triumph, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

The hope for a Conan 3 is fueled by the desire to see this character fully realized on screen, to witness the culmination of his journey, and to experience the epic scale of Howard’s world in all its glory. Whether it happens remains to be seen, but the passion and dedication of Conan fans ensure that the dream will never truly die. So, keep your fingers crossed, guys, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll see Conan rise again!

In conclusion, the journey toward Conan 3 has been a long and winding road, filled with obstacles and near misses. While there are no guarantees in Hollywood, the enduring appeal of Conan and the passion of his fans keep the hope alive. Whether it's on the big screen or the small screen, the legend of Conan is far from over. So, let's keep the dream alive and see what the future holds for our favorite Cimmerian barbarian!