Arnold Schwarzenegger to Reprise Iconic Conan Role in New Sequel

At 78, the action star is undergoing intensive training to play the legendary barbarian-king in "King Conan"

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:56pm

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After decades of speculation, a new Conan the Barbarian film, tentatively titled "King Conan", is gaining momentum with Arnold Schwarzenegger set to reprise his iconic role. The 78-year-old actor is reportedly undergoing intensive physical training to prepare for the physically demanding part, signaling his commitment to embodying the legendary barbarian-king once again.

Why it matters

This development signals a broader trend in Hollywood of revisiting and revitalizing established action franchises and their stars. The involvement of acclaimed director Christopher McQuarrie also suggests a unified creative vision for the project, which aims to balance fan expectations with fresh storytelling.

The details

The film reportedly centers on an older Conan, 40 years after his reign, who is forced back into conflict. This narrative demands a physical presence that conveys both age and enduring strength, a challenge Schwarzenegger is determined to meet through his intensive training regimen.

  • Schwarzenegger, now 78 years old, is undergoing intensive physical training to prepare for the role.
  • The new Conan film, tentatively titled "King Conan", is gaining momentum and is expected to begin production soon.

The players

Arnold Schwarzenegger

A legendary action star who is set to reprise his iconic role as Conan the Barbarian in the upcoming sequel "King Conan".

Christopher McQuarrie

An acclaimed director known for his work on the recent Mission: Impossible films, who is set to write and direct the new Conan sequel.

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What’s next

The project is expected to begin production soon, with further details on the film's release and casting to be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

The return of Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan the Barbarian in a new sequel, "King Conan", is a testament to the enduring appeal of established action franchises and their iconic stars. The involvement of acclaimed director Christopher McQuarrie suggests a unified creative vision that aims to balance fan expectations with fresh storytelling, marking an exciting new chapter for the Conan franchise.