Conan 3: Will Arnold Schwarzenegger Return To The Epic Role?
Hey everyone! Let's dive into a topic that's been buzzing around the internet for ages: the possibility of Arnold Schwarzenegger returning for a third Conan movie. For those who grew up watching the muscle-bound hero hack and slash his way through ancient lands, this is more than just a movie; it's a nostalgic trip back to a time when sword and sorcery ruled the big screen. But will it actually happen? That's the million-dollar question.
The Legend of Conan: A Long-Awaited Sequel
The buzz about a potential third Conan movie, often referred to as "The Legend of Conan," has been circulating for years. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself has expressed interest in reprising his role as the iconic barbarian, and for good reason. Conan is one of those characters that defined a generation of action heroes, and seeing Schwarzenegger back in the loincloth would be a dream come true for many fans.
The Original Conan Movies: A Quick Recap
Before we get too deep into the potential sequel, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. The original Conan the Barbarian, released in 1982, was a breakthrough role for Schwarzenegger, catapulting him into superstardom. The film, directed by John Milius, was a dark and gritty sword and sorcery epic that showcased Schwarzenegger's impressive physique and on-screen charisma. It was followed by Conan the Destroyer in 1984, a more lighthearted and family-friendly adventure. While the second film wasn't as critically acclaimed as the first, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many fans.
Why a Third Conan Movie Makes Sense
So, why all the excitement about a third Conan movie? Well, for starters, Arnold Schwarzenegger is still a major box office draw. Despite his age, he's proven that he can still kick ass and deliver the kind of action that audiences crave. More importantly, the character of Conan is timeless. The stories of a barbarian warrior battling against impossible odds resonate with audiences of all ages. There's a primal appeal to seeing a hero who relies on his strength, cunning, and sheer will to survive.
The Challenges of Making Conan 3
Of course, making a third Conan movie isn't as simple as dusting off the old loincloth and hitting the gym. There are several challenges that need to be addressed. First and foremost, the script needs to be top-notch. Fans aren't going to be satisfied with a generic action movie with the Conan name slapped on it. The story needs to be epic, the characters need to be compelling, and the action needs to be brutal.
Another challenge is the tone of the movie. Should it be a dark and gritty reboot that tries to recapture the feel of the original Conan the Barbarian? Or should it be a more lighthearted adventure that appeals to a wider audience? Finding the right balance is crucial to the film's success.
Finally, there's the issue of Schwarzenegger's age. While he's still in great shape, he's not getting any younger. The filmmakers need to find a way to showcase his strengths while acknowledging the passage of time. Perhaps the story could focus on an older, more seasoned Conan who is passing on his wisdom and skills to a younger generation of warriors.
What Happened to "The Legend of Conan"?
Over the years, there have been numerous rumors and reports about the development of "The Legend of Conan." At one point, it seemed like the movie was actually going to happen. A script was written, a director was attached, and Schwarzenegger was on board. But then, things started to fall apart.
Script Issues and Creative Differences
One of the main issues was the script. Several different writers took a crack at it, but none of them were able to deliver a story that everyone was happy with. There were also creative differences between the filmmakers and the studio. Some wanted to make a dark and gritty movie, while others wanted a more family-friendly adventure.
The Universal Pictures Factor
Another factor that contributed to the film's demise was the change in ownership at Universal Pictures. When the studio was acquired by a new company, the priorities shifted, and "The Legend of Conan" was no longer a top priority. The project was eventually shelved, and it seemed like the dream of seeing Schwarzenegger back as Conan was dead.
Hope Remains: Is Conan Still Possible?
But don't lose hope just yet, guys! In Hollywood, anything is possible. Just because a movie has been shelved doesn't mean it's gone forever. There's always a chance that "The Legend of Conan" could be resurrected. And with the renewed interest in sword and sorcery movies and TV shows, now might be the perfect time to bring Conan back to the big screen.
The Future of Conan: What Are the Options?
So, what are the options for the future of Conan? Here are a few possibilities:
A Theatrical Release: "The Legend of Conan" Lives!
The most obvious option is to revive "The Legend of Conan" and release it in theaters. This would be the most ambitious approach, but it could also be the most rewarding. If the filmmakers can deliver a great script and capture the spirit of the original movies, then there's no reason why "The Legend of Conan" couldn't be a box office hit.
A Streaming Service Movie: Conan on Netflix or Amazon
Another option is to produce a Conan movie for a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon. This would be a less risky approach, as the budget would likely be smaller, and the pressure to perform at the box office would be lower. A streaming service movie could also allow for more creative freedom, as the filmmakers wouldn't have to worry about appealing to a mass audience.
A TV Series: Conan on the Small Screen
Finally, there's the possibility of a Conan TV series. This could be a great way to explore the character in more depth and tell longer, more complex stories. A TV series could also attract a wider audience, as it would be available to watch in the comfort of your own home.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Stance: Is He Still Interested?
The big question, of course, is whether Arnold Schwarzenegger is still interested in playing Conan. The good news is that he has repeatedly expressed his desire to return to the role. In interviews, he has said that he feels a strong connection to the character and that he would love to make another Conan movie.
Schwarzenegger's Passion for the Role
Schwarzenegger's passion for the role is evident in his words. He has said that Conan is one of his favorite characters to play and that he feels like he understands the character on a deep level. He has also said that he believes there are still many great Conan stories to be told.
The Importance of the Script and Director
However, Schwarzenegger has also made it clear that he won't just do any Conan movie. He has said that the script needs to be great and that the director needs to have a clear vision for the film. He wants to make sure that the movie does justice to the character and to the fans.
The Fans Speak: What Do Conan Fans Want?
Ultimately, the success of any Conan movie or TV show will depend on the fans. So, what do Conan fans want? Here are a few things that are important to them:
A Faithful Adaptation of the Source Material
First and foremost, fans want a faithful adaptation of the original Robert E. Howard stories. They want to see the Conan they know and love from the books and comics, not some watered-down version of the character.
A Dark and Gritty Tone
Fans also want a dark and gritty tone. They want a movie or TV show that is violent, brutal, and uncompromising. They want to see Conan battling against impossible odds and emerging victorious through his strength, cunning, and sheer will.
Epic Battles and Stunning Visuals
Finally, fans want epic battles and stunning visuals. They want to see Conan hacking and slashing his way through hordes of enemies in beautifully rendered landscapes. They want a movie or TV show that is visually stunning and that transports them to another world.
Conclusion: The Future of Conan Remains Uncertain
So, will Arnold Schwarzenegger return for a third Conan movie? The answer remains uncertain. While there are many challenges to overcome, there is also a lot of potential. With the right script, the right director, and the support of the fans, there's no reason why "The Legend of Conan" couldn't become a reality.
Whether it's a theatrical release, a streaming service movie, or a TV series, the future of Conan is in the hands of the studios and the fans. Let's hope that they make the right choices and bring Conan back to the big or small screen in a way that honors the character and the legacy of Robert E. Howard.