Djimon Hounsou In Conan Spin-Off

Robert E. Howard’s estate must be rolling in the cash these days – not only is there a planned Conan movie in the works (but when hasn’t there been a planned Conan movie in the works?), a Red Sonja film in development and a Solomon Kane movie in production, but now there is a film adaptation of Thulsa Doom starring and produced by Djimon Hounsou.

The character of Thulsa Doom was originally played by Darth Vader himself (well his voice at least) James Earl Jones in Conan The Barbarian, the film that put Arnold Schwarzenegger on the movie map.

Doom is a serpent-loving villain who crops up in all of the above mentioned Howard titles (except Kane).

This new film version will however take a different approach and cast him as a tragic hero, before he succumbs to the dark-side (gee it really is like Star Wars).

Several months ago CHUD got a scoop which hinted at Hounsou’s casting in the film, however the site was unable to pin down the exact character at the time. However, they did manage to get this from the actor:

“I kind of wanted to be quiet about it until I completely finished the project. It’s obviously a comic book that used to be part of the Conan comic book…”

Well, now the mystery is solved.

The film (or franchise as they hope to make at least three) will be produced by Dynamite Entertainment. According to Variety:

“The planned pic will showcase the origins of the flawed hero and show how his road to hell was paved with good intentions.”

Thulsa Doom will also have his own comic book series next year.

Currently, no studio, director or writer is attached.

More details when we get them.

Sources: CHUD and Variety