The new Conan film has been in development for almost a decade - to put it in perspective, it has been in development for so long Arnold Schwarzenegger was attached to star in it at one point. Over the years the Wachowskis and Robert Rodriguez have been linked to direct the film and the property has moved from Warner Brothers to Nu Image/Millennium Films in the intervening years.
So what’s the current status? Nu Image/Millennium Films have now signed a distribution deal with Lionsgate to help bring Robert E. Howard’s iconic character back to the big screen. Further, Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer - the gentlemen behind Sahara have been signed to write the screenplay.
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Production is scheduled to begin later in the year, and the film apparently has a $100 million budget. An interesting aspect to the article that appeared in Variety is that Avi Lerner, the head of Nu Image/Millennium, is trying to negotiate a deal with the WGA so that they can push the film into production as quickly as possible.
It’s interesting news, and I feel that the main reason for the momentum on Conan was the success of 300 at the box office. I really hope that they can make a good film, one that matches the scope and feel of John Milius’ 1982 version: Conan The Barbarian.
There’s no news yet on who will star, but you can bet that any wrestler or actor with gym membership will be linked to the part.
I’m going to throw open the discussion, who would you like to see star as Conan?
Source: Variety
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64 Comments
Conan O’Brien. He proved his true manhood (or disproved his womanhood) by growing a beard. Just watch–soon he’ll be ripped.
Haha Jim, I havnt seen Conan OBrian show in months but I have seen a few Lettermans, he’s got a beard too. Is this some kind of anti-studio protest?? Me thinks yes.
^
I can’t think of any well known actors that could pull Conan off right now. I say cast an unkown…
I’d really like Schwarzenegger to make it a post politics effort. I should dream on…
Niall
Yeah Niall I would
love to see Arnold as Conan. He’s the first guy you think of when you hear Conan…
But Arnold now is so old and with this power trip he’s on I doubt he’ll ever want to get back into films.
^
Sometimes I think he really is a robot from 2029…
ARNOLD is NOT CONAN! Has any one here even read the books? If you did you’d know that Arnold was a horrible Conan, don’t get me wrong I still love the Arnie Conan’s but they don’t hold a birthday candle to Howard’s Conan.
Yeah well the extent of my Conan films goes back to Arnold only.
I was never really into Conan, prob won’t see this film anyway. I never saw 300 and I’m still alive …
I don’t like Gladiator movies.
300 was so west hollywood….
For what it was, “300″ was fantastic fun.
Vassago, who would you suggest for the role?
Vic
I would go with a complete unknown, not super muscle bound, and at least some semblance of acting skill. No wrestlers! Maybe Ray Stevenson, MAYBE. What do you think?
If they can get the Ahnuld conception of Conan out of the public consciousness, yeah, someone who looks like they’re tough and have some mileage would work.
Vic
I’d prefer an unknown actor play Conan in the new film. That way, if the film launches a successful series, we will see “Conan” and not some celebrity in the sequels. For the record, the “Conan” appearing in the two films is NOT Conan as written by Robert E. Howard. Here’s hoping the new film will be about Howard’s Conan.
Like Conan, but would rather see Master of the Universe more because of the mystic.
I’m not surprised that this hasn’t been covered much(or at all).
No offense, but when I saw this article it filled me with disappointment. The only way this will be good is if it is shot like 300. I like the comics fine, not a huge fan, and I have collected some of the figures; but I would not be down in the dumps if this were to just fall off the map forever.
Jay
Maybe they might cast a bodybuilder like Jay Cutler (who is huge) or more likely the tall Gunter Schlierkampf (who has an equally odd accent) as the new Conan..
How about Dwayne Johnson (the rock). I liked him in Scorpion King.
Go with a unknown,the ROCK Dwayn Johnson would be a good conan if he was not already a known actor.People would not see him as conan they would see him as the ROCK.No HHH no Jay Cutler.they should stay true to REH’s conan,black haired,sullen eyed,sword in hand.And to see how good of job Millennium films did on the new rambo gives me a warm fuzzy that they will not pull any punches on conan.
They are working hard to make this true to the original. That means it will meaner, nastier and scarier than the Arnold film. Bring extra underwear.
Oh yeah! Meaner, nastier, scarier… and vastly more entertaining (believe it). The original character makes the Milius version look like a timid boyscout with a speech impediment.
Don’t limit yourself by thinking only Arnie can be Conan. You’re cheating yourself out of a masterwork of storytelling. Something you didn’t get with the first movie.
As far as I’m concerned Arnie died at the end of Terminator 3.
RIP. Arnie
yes arnie is dead.but long live conan!
Arg. Arnie was an awful Conan. Conan wasn’t some retarded barbarian that pushed a wheel for fifteen years, he was a woodland mountain man that learned how to hunt and defend himself in the colds of Cimmeria…..as well as a thief eventually. That first movie was so terrible, and the only good thing about it was the music. The Rock could pull off Conan, but he’d need the right make-up, and needs to consistently be able to pull off smart and mean. John Cena is another that comes to mind, but I’m leery of his acting ability. And NO MORE BLONDE SURFER CONANS!!! Whoever they get has to look like the weathered northman, otherwise, it’ll suck no matter who they get.
First of all I think the two idiots at the top making references to Conan O’Brian need to be dragged out into the street and beheaded. WRONG CONAN ASSHOLES!
Second, I agree on the new face angle. Isn’t Arnold technically a senior citizen now? I don’t agree with casting the Rock either. Conan is a Cimmerian, decendant of Atlantians, not a Samoan. Personally, I think Dominic Purcell would be awesome. At least he’s an actor not some hulking bodybuilder or pro wrestler.
Third, I would be thrilled to death to see a Conan film actually based on the original books. Although I’d probably scrap the “King” idea. Why not just start the series over? After twelve novels it’s not like there isn’t enough material to work with.
Last but not least, who in the hell thought of giving Conan a son? Suffice it to say he no doubt had his own score of barbaric little bastards running around, but picturing him as “the loving dad” would just ruin his overall image.
If you want to make a decent Conan movie you should wipe the slate clean of all this crap and start over. Start with a script adapted loyally from book 1:The Phoenix on the Sword, then cast a new face for the lead(preferably a real actor with a great build), throw in the cinematography genius from “300″, add the original movie score written by Basil Poledouris, and finish it off with cameo bits from Arnold or even James Earl Jones(Thulsa Doom; first movie). All in all you get an awesome realization of a truly epic series that people would actually pay to see.
Regardless of whomever is cast as Conan, the film-makers need to get the character right. Conan is a completely unapologetic character - he is what he is and asks for nothing more than to be what he is. The closest, modern, pop culture reference I can think of is Daniel Day Lewis’ character in There Will Be Blood. If they can bring us that Conan, an actor in a loincloth would get and deserve the best actor Oscar, just as DDL earned his.
One question:
Why in Crom’s name would he need to be in a loincloth?
The character wore clothes and usually some type of armor.
The movie needs to get away from, not only the Milius/Ahnult catastrophe, but the comic adaptations as well.
If you need to see sweaty muscle guys in the movies, this might not be the genre you should pursue. You could find nirvana in a dark booth and a handful of quarters.
Hey Plains I can agree with your assertation of Conan’s persona, but I’d have to disagree with Daniel Day Lewis. Although he has played the rough and gritty type (see: Gangs of New York) you’re forgetting that Conan is about ten years younger and about fifty pounds brawnier than anything Lewis has ever played. Besides, if 300 couldn’t win Oscars I don’t think any Conan adaptation has much luck either no matter who plays the lead.
P.S. To itinerant man- You are so right about Conan’s wardrobe, and btw got any more quarters? LOL!
How about the guy from 300?
Gerard Butler, the guy from 300, has already been suggested in various circles. Unfortunately, he’s already committed to at least two other projects for the next year and a half. Besides, he’s already played three huge characters in his career so far; Dracula, The Phantom of the Opera, and King Leonidas. Why not leave room for a fresh face?
Keith Jardine (UFC) or the Techno Viking..
Robert E. Howard was a brilliant writer. Personally, I have read all 12 of L. Sprague De Camp’s novels adapted from the original comic character. Any of you who would even consider seeing this new flick should check out these old stories. The REAL Conan was kick-a** and like nothing you’ve ever read or watched. If they follow the real storyline, the clean version will barely be allowable in theatres. The stories had more sex than HBO’s Rome, more gore than most horror films, and more bizarre ghosts, monsters, demons, etc. on a page than Del Toro could cram into a movie. This Cimmerian was a slayer of Gods - literally. Arnie was a fine choice the first time around, because CGI was non-existent and because of the direction they took those films. As for this new one, I definitely concur with those above campaigning for an unknown. And guys, this actor’s got to be not huge, but ripped to insanity, black-haired, and wild eyed like he’s about to have your face for dinner.
I’d like to see John Cena play Conan. He is young, muscular and gorgeous!!
Not a bad choice- this would be no G rated flick for sure.
We need a sweeping desert epic - like the Howard Conan story ” the Pheonix on the sword “
shyluck007 said,
“add the original movie score written by Basil Poledouris, and finish it off with cameo bits from Arnold or even James Earl Jones(Thulsa Doom; first movie).”
It’s rumored that Djimon Hounsou would star as “Thulsa Doom”
in his own movie. Don’t know if that went anywhere. Would be a good tie in if their’s to be movies about both.
Djimon would be really good as Thulsa Doom, I agree.
” A witch shall be born ”
probably the greatest Conan , REH story ever.
To see the crucifixion scene done properly where Conan pulls the nails out himself would make up for the 80’s version in spades.
However - If they use Thulsa Doom again ( a KULL villain ) I will be slightly annoyed.
CONANS major adversary was always Thoth Amon. No reason they can’t use the real villain intended for Conan.
Djimon Honsou would indeed make for a great addition to whatever cast choice they use him for.
What does everyone think about Mark Caloway ( the UNDERTAKER ) from the WWE ?
Cover his tats with CGI or make up and voila instant badass Cimmerian!
Mention of Kull villain “bopped me up side my head” inre Kevin Sorbo. He was a great Kull and Hercules and I think would be good as Conan, too. However, he might not be the right age if “powers that be” are looking for someone younger.
no - Sorbo too clean cut too handsome.
Conan , gruff, gritty and menacing looking.
Age bracket does not matter. If it’s a tale where Conan becomes king he must be at least 40/ish looking.
“Sorbo too clean cut too handsome” to play Conan. So, I guess, my #1 favorite actor/martial arts champion would be too clean cut and too handsome, too. Mark Dacascos played Young Conan several years ago. He also played Eric Draven, The Crow/Stairway to Heaven TV series. He is muscular–very handsome and 44 years old. And, can he MOVE!
Brotherhood of the wolf - great film.
Dacascos too ethnic - CONAN (IRISH/WHITE/ANGLO). BTW…what did Mark play a young CONAN in?
I agree, BOTW IS a great film and Mark is terrific in it. I hate what happens to Mani, though. Mark played Young Conan for a year with Universal Studios Tour, 1988. I saw a picture of him in that role and he looks great. Of course, I AM biased in his favor.
I ‘m an absolute fan of both the books and the first movie, the second movie was too watered down for Conan. We know the original actor is too old now so I believe they should start at square one, like batman, with that being said, I won’t a Conan closer to the original art of Conan. So no pretty boys, only one actor comes to mined, Mr. Vin Diesel, I thank he would play the part well with long hear and a few scars, and that voice of his. I thank he could pull off the ugly look with long hear.
“Ugly look” eh? I have a lot of descriptive adjectives for Arnie, but “ugly look” has never been one of them.
I am not a fan of Vin Diesel. I don’t dislike him, just am not a fan.
Vin Diesel is a twerp. He’s way too short to be CONAN.
The guy they get has to be huge. Like the Rock or HHH or the Undertaker even Cena would be an ok choice.
But only the UNDERTAKER has the LOOK and demeanor for the part.
I am sure there is an actor out there who fits the bill- even if it is the guy from Rob Zombies Halloween….what’is name?
The ugly look was not strike towards Arnie but for the art of the books and comics, I love Arnie and wish he was still making movies, and Vin is no small man, 6’ 2” is plenty big for the role, look up his stats. Look up the old art work then picture Vin with long hear, there is a reason he shaves his head. If Vin was a small man I would be of the same mind as Mikey, but Vin has the height and is disciplined enough to change his body for the this role. Conan is not a huge man like HHH, but a skilled warrior that can overcome large men like the Undertaker or HHH, also most pro-wrestlers add a major cheese factor to a movie, the only one that truly pulled it off is the Rock which I love that guy, but he’s not conan.
I don’t believe Diesel is 6′2″ - more like 5′10″ tops - Hollywood stats tend to say certain actors are taller when they’re not.
In The HOWARD books CONAN is written as being an entire head and shoulder above most men - putting him at least 6′6″ and he is usually described as a giant.
As for the cheese factor? Yes I agree - John Cena or HHH would make for a cheesie movie. I really hope they go for a Gladiator serious Kingdom of heaven kind of film.
300 was awesome but it was kind of camp. The rings trilogy set the bar for fantasy epics. So they really have their hands full with this one.
Once again- Rob Zombie? I’m really not happy with the idea.
I would also say that Vin looks about 5’ 10” and was shocked when I red his stats, and an epic is exactly what I want to see out of the movie. Make this movie right or don’t make it at all, plan two to three movies back to back and spend the money needed for a fantasy epic. I also agree, I’m not happy about Rob Zombie either.
Hahahaha…The Rock could play the role of Bambata…??!!
First of all I just want to say Jason, you and Old man are my heroes. I’m glad there are actually fans who read. Now for the morons. Romi needs to get off the pretty boy trip (who in hell invited this chick anyway?). Howard didn’t create Conan with the intent of making a sex symbol. Conan is rough, gritty, dark, and it shows all over his appearance. Check out some of Frazetta’s original paintings and you’ll see what I mean. Will somebody PLEASE smack the bones out of Mikeyboy and Destroyer? While they may have actually read the books, they clearly didn’t pay any attention to the geography or time period. Conan is a Cimmerian, which today would make him more Mediteranian. He couldn’t possibly be Irish, Anglo, or white. BTW- The Undertaker? Are you high?
I also want to know what self-respecting Conan fan can honestly cast ANY pro wrestler in the role and call themselves a fan. I love wrestling as much as the next person. But seriously, name one wrestler’s movie that made more than $100 million at the box office, or didn’t end up being played to death on basic cable. None of these guys are worthy of Conan.
If you are a true fan, stick to the books and show some respect. If your overall intelligence comes from years of sitting in front of the TV, shut your ignorant face and go home.
Rules - no profanity or personal attacks.
Now….I read the books I have all the books. I am a CONAN freak. I have a CONAN tat on my right bicep. It’s a John Buscema drawing.
CONAN is an ancient celt or gael.
his country of cimmmeria is what is now Denmark. In the stories the land mass we know as Ireland broke off from the continent. If you look at the maps of HOWARDS fictional world and superimpose it over that region you’ll understand.
Now- I don’t want to insult you but you are the most wrong of all. His name is CONAN not Pedro! Mediteranean indeed.
Everyone just gets a slap on the wrist from me. But you just got a can of tutorial whupp ass on you. So go wash the egg off your smug face. WRONG BOY.
One more thing- I have done extensive research and contacted the Howard estate to get my facts straight and have dozens of essays on the web relating to Conan and other REH properties.
To challenge me is to challenge Tom Savini about horror and make-up or George Lucas about film making. Believe me or be forever ignorant, your call.
Let’s remember to not get personal here folks. This is starting to get a little nasty and we don’t go for that here.
Vic
My apologies sir, After all we’re talking fiction here. Not life and death.
Vic- Sir, that’s twice I have been attacked on a personal level.
The first time I fired back. The second time I was more diplomatic. But this person is harsh and is seemingly picking a fight. I would like to point out that if anyone disagrees check your facts online somewhere before you attack people unnecessarily.
@shyluck
Your tone is out of line and I’ve deleted your latest comment.
I am now monitoring this thread and if need be I will disable further comments.
Vic
I agree, as much as I like Conan I wouldn’t come to blows over a fictional subject. I just enjoy discussing the subject, so please don’t ruin it.
I try to share as much of the info I can to make things interesting as well as informative.
It’s not my creation so all the little details are easily found these days
with the internet and so on.
I never blurt info unless I have conducted research. Thanks all-bye- 9/18/08
Shyluck007–I did not realize this was a “Boys Only” chat when I clicked on to the info line saying that another Conan film was being planned. I came across it purely by chance. Being an Arnie fan, I saw the two Conan films in which he starred and so was interested in possible additional sequels. Also didn’t realize one needed an engraved invitation to comment. Am truly sorry for the intrusion into “your” territory. BTW, I am not a moron–my IQ is 145.
I wasn’t trying to insult your gender or intelligence. I was simply commenting on the fact that many fans attribute their knowledge of Conan to the the two badly written movies. The only thing those films share with the original stories is a few names and details. As always Hollywood freely adapts great literature to their own liking by taking classic stories WAY out of their original context. By supporting those films, fans only fuel this.
Congratulations on the 145. That’s about the average score anybody can get at tickle.com. Hey, at least you’re smarter than a MacDonalds manager. I hear that’s a tough job.
No, this forum is not a “Boys Only” chat and I don’t claim any domain over our discussions (apparently that’s Vic’s job). So while I follow a pretense of free speech, I’ll try not to offend anyone and welcome the opinions of the fairer sex equally.
If I could impose upon you this one request, though. Tell me, what is your favorite Conan book, and why?
My intro to Conan was via the two films starring Arnie. Had no idea of who Conan was–I just like action/adventure flix. (I saw Kull the Conqueror for the same reason–I am a fan of the star and like adventure stories). Since I didn’t know anything about the original Conan storyline, I found Mikeyboy’s info interesting and helpful.
I don’t know what tickle.com is, either.
My IQ score is from college tests.
Have no idea about managing MacDonald’s stores. I know some owners who make good $$$, though.
I think we can all pretty much agree that we’re concerned as to whether or not this will be a good film?
As a long time fan and devout at that,
my concern is pretty much was LUCKY was trying to say- No pretty boys or muscle heads and lets stick to the source material.
Arnold was a good Conan. And he would be a good choice, being that he is supposed to be old and a King if they are making the sequel to the mediocre Conan the Destroyer. It makes sense, but if this is a reboot/rehash then some one else can do or even a combination or something. And people need to know when a joke is told (referring to the Conan O’brien comments), lighten up people.
noooo.. no Arnold he’s a has been. He’s in politics now.
Conan is not supposed to be a comedy film it’s grim dark bloody and gritty.
There should also be a spooky kind of feel too. Wizards and Zombies and Bat creatures and ape-men and giant snakes and lizards. No Arnold. then it would be a stupid flop.
I don’t think it would be a flop, but from the last film Conan the Destroyer it was hard hinted at a final movie in which Conan is Older and Has His Kingdom, so it makes sense (to me anyway) to use the Governator (besides his term is about up). Writing and directing also plays an important role is how a movie flops, not just one actor. Wasn’t there a Conan tv series? Was that not a comedy? But I agree no Arnold if they are starting freshly over, unless he is recounting/remembering.
Well if you read the books, Conan had jet black hair and blazing blue eyes. They need to find someone to fit Howard’s Conan. I agree with several posters, NO WRESTLERS. I would refuse to see it if they star “The Rock”. I also want it to emulate the older Conan movies. No modern comic book-like movies like Sin City or 300. I’d like to see a real action trilogy here showing in Howard’s dark gritty detail the amazing adventures of Conan the Cimmerian.
“Hither came Conan, the Cimmerian, black-haired, sullen-eyed, sword in hand, a thief, a reaver, a slayer, with gigantic melancholies and gigantic mirth, to tread the jeweled thrones of the Earth under his sandalled feet” -The Nemedian Chronicles (The Coming of Conan) by Robert E. Howard.
I just don’t want Zombie to direct it.
No wrestlers is a good idea…but who would they get?
They need an unknown with the proper look..and acting talent.
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