Schwarzenegger Returns: King Conan Set to Begin Filming in 2027.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has officially confirmed that he will return to the world of Conan the Barbarian in a long‑awaited sequel titled King Conan, with filming planned for 2027. The announcement marks a major milestone for fans who have waited decades to see the legendary warrior back on screen.
A Legendary Return
Speaking with TheArnoldFans, the 78‑year‑old actor revealed that the project is finally moving forward after years of development struggles.
“Next year we are going to do King Conan. That is a reality now and I am excited about it,” Schwarzenegger said.
He explained that for the past decade he has pushed for a sequel that would honor the original vision of Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan, and the iconic artwork of Frank Frazetta. Schwarzenegger also expressed his desire for John Milius, director of the 1982 classic, to be involved as a producer.
Arnold Schwarzenegger will return in KING CONAN from director Christopher McQuarrie, with filming set to begin next year.
"Look at the movie by Clint Eastwood, Unforgiven. It will be a lot like that but with extraordinary battles," Schwarzenegger tells website The Arnold Fans. pic.twitter.com/IMPcjEoVxr
— Bloody Disgusting (@BDisgusting) May 19, 2026
Christopher McQuarrie Takes the Helm
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Christopher McQuarrie — known for directing the last four Mission: Impossible films — has been confirmed as both writer and director of King Conan. His involvement signals a high‑energy, visually ambitious production.
Schwarzenegger emphasized that the timing is finally right for the story they want to tell. Conan, now an aging king, is no longer the unstoppable warrior of his youth.
“He is no longer in the shape he was from his heyday… He’s the king and he gets a little bit complacent. He’s tired of the job and he wants to move on.”
The actor compared the tone of the film to Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, a gritty Western about a retired gunslinger forced back into violence.
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A Story of Age, Power, and One Last Battle
King Conan will explore themes of aging, legacy, and vulnerability — a stark contrast to the youthful brutality of the original films. Schwarzenegger teased that enemies will attempt to overthrow the weary king, pushing him into a final, epic confrontation.
The film aims to blend emotional depth with the grand, visceral battles that define the Conan franchise.
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More Classic Roles on the Horizon?
During a moderated conversation at the Arnold Sports Festival, Schwarzenegger hinted that he may also return to other iconic roles, including Predator and Commando.
“Fox Studio has kind of rediscovered Arnold… They say, ‘We want you to do Predator, we just got the script for Commando 2.’”
This suggests a potential renaissance of Schwarzenegger’s most beloved characters.
What Comes Next?
With McQuarrie on board and Schwarzenegger fully committed, King Conan is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fantasy films of the decade. Fans can expect a darker, more reflective story — but still packed with the brutal sword‑and‑sorcery action that made Conan a legend.