The upcoming sequel to 1982’s “Conan the Barbarian” has had innumerable attempts in the 2000s, when John Milius was in line to direct, and the Wachowskis were attached for a short stint as producers. Years later, Christopher McQuarrie finally cracked it.
According to Schwarzenegger and Conan Properties International‘s Fredrik Malmberg, confirming that there are official plans to start production in 2027.
After ruling for forty years, Conan is cast out of his kingdom. but returns to face conflict, violence, magic, and creatures.
Malmberg said, “I can confirm we have a deal between CPI, Arnold, and [20th Century Studios]. Next year, we are going to do ‘King Conan.’ So that is a reality now, and I am excited about it,” Malmberg’s statement read.
Before King Conan, Arnold Schwarzenegger completed two films: The Man with the Bag, a Christmas release in December where he plays Santa, and the action‑comedy crime sequel Kung Fury 2, which is yet to be scheduled.
From cyborg assassin to sword‑wielding barbarian, Arnold Schwarzenegger dominated the big screen in the ’80s and ’90s. His defining turn came with The Terminator and its sequel, Judgment Day, but he also left his mark with Predator, Total Recall, and Conan the Barbarian. By the time True Lies arrived in 1994, he had proven he could deliver thrills and laughs in equal measure, cementing his reputation as Hollywood’s ultimate action star.
Back in 1996, Christopher McQuarrie’s The Usual Suspects earned him both the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay.
Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise’s long‑standing collaboration spans multiple films, beginning with Jack Reacher (2012) and continuing through Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), Fallout (2018), Dead Reckoning (2023), and The Final Reckoning (2025). With last Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, it will mark their seventh partnership overall—sixth if you count McQuarrie’s The Gauntlet remake—cementing one of modern cinema’s most enduring director‑actor duos. McQuarrie also worked as writer/producer on Cruise hits like Top Gun: Maverick and Edge of Tomorrow, though the two are currently on a friendly hiatus from collaborating.
