Arnold Schwarzenegger’s King Conan Locks In Filming Window, Teases Release Timeline

Well, it’s official—after decades of rumours, dashed hopes, and enough script drafts to fill a barbarian’s trophy room, Arnold Schwarzenegger is finally strapping on his sword and crown for King Conan. Yes, the one-time reigning muscleman of the ’80s fantasy scene has put a date (well, a year, anyway) on the long, long-awaited sequel. If you weren’t born when Conan the Barbarian first came out, congratulations, you might still catch Arnie’s comeback, provided you can wait a bit longer.

When’s It Actually Happening?

Let’s cut through all the historic faffing about—Schwarzenegger’s confirmed that King Conan will start shooting in 2027. That means you won’t see it in cinemas before 2028, which is, frankly, a bit of a wait, but if you’ve made it this far you’re clearly patient enough.

The Austrian Oak himself put it plainly:

'Next year we are going to do King Conan. So that is a reality now and I am excited about it.'

He’s right to be excited—this film’s been on and off more times than Conan’s own helmet. And yet, here we (almost) are.

Behind the Camera: Big Names in Charge

For anyone still scarred by the endless false starts: this time, director Christopher McQuarrie—yes, that Christopher McQuarrie, of the Mission: Impossible series—is attached to direct. Considering the mayhem he pulls off with Tom Cruise, a few oversized swords and epic battles shouldn’t faze him. The script, apparently, has been a sticking point for years. Schwarzenegger has always insisted on a version that really gets Robert E. Howard’s creation and the haunting, brooding energy of those Frank Frazetta paintings. He’s even got dreams of roping in John Milius, who directed the original Conan, to produce. It all feels very back-to-basics, but in a good way, if they can actually pull it off this time.

What’s the Story This Time?

Don’t expect a rehash of oiled-up slaughter and pithy one-liners. Schwarzenegger’s been clear that King Conan is built around an older, more battered ruler: forty years on the throne, knackered, and now fending off rivals who reckon he’s lost his edge. Schwarzenegger described it as sitting somewhere between classic Conan and Clint Eastwood’s The Unforgiven—an ageing legend drawn into one last bloody spectacle. So yes, there’ll still be plenty of carnage, but maybe with a bit more grey hair and existential dread.

What’s Next?

• Filming: Set to begin in 2027
• Director: Christopher McQuarrie (yes, those Mission: Impossible films)
• Arnold’s Role: Older King Conan, finally allowed to be, well, old
• Script/Creative Team: Years in the making—Schwarzenegger pushed for real Howard/Frazetta energy, might even drag John Milius back in as producer
• Release Date: Don’t expect anything before 2028
• Other Cast: No word yet—still a mystery

So, after years of speculation and no small number of setbacks, Arnie’s return as Conan is finally creeping towards reality. Whether it’ll live up to the legends—or just be another curious midlife (OK, late-life) action reboot—remains to be seen. Either way, it’s happening. Eventually.