This movie is really happening.
According to The New York Post, Arnold Schwarzenegger, 78, is in prep mode on “King Conan,” undergoing intense physical training to get ready for the role. He’s pushing himself to regain the muscular physique that originally defined the character and helped launch his Hollywood career, which is easier said than done given his age.
Then again, it’s not like Arnold has let himself go either. He’s still very muscular, having maintained some of the physique that turned him into a multiple Mr. Olympia–winning bodybuilder in the ’70s and ’80s.
Schwarzenegger has dealt with several serious heart-related health issues over the years, most stemming from a genetic condition he was born with. This has led to multiple open-heart surgeries (including valve replacements in 1997, 2018, and 2020) and, more recently, a pacemaker implant.
The upcoming movie is described as a continuation of 1982’s “Conan the Barbarian,” focusing on an older version of the character who has lived as a king but is drawn back into action.
Christopher McQuarrie is attached to helm the “Conan” sequel — he’s an Oscar winner for writing “The Usual Suspects” and made his directorial debut with 2000’s “The Way of the Gun.” Since then, he has become Tom Cruise’s most frequent creative partner, writing and directing action hits like “Jack Reacher” and the last four “Mission: Impossible” movies. He also contributed as a writer and/or producer on several other Cruise projects, including “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Edge of Tomorrow.”
There have been attempts to make “King Conan” for a few decades now. John Milius was originally supposed to direct in the 2000s, and the “The Matrix” directors, the Wachowskis, were briefly attached to produce. However, McQuarrie can be seen as an upgrade.
Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger, once Hollywood’s biggest action star, last appeared on the big screen nearly seven years ago in 2019’s poorly received “Terminator: Dark Fate,” marking his most recent return to a major franchise. He did recently shoot Adam Shankman’s Christmas action comedy, “The Man With the Bag,” which Amazon/MGM seems to be positioning for late fall 2026.