He’s Back: Arnold Schwarzenegger Bulks Up for King Conan Comeback

Well, here we are: Arnold Schwarzenegger is actually doing it — after four decades (yes, 44 years, but who’s counting?), he’s strapping on the sword to play Conan again in the sequel fans have been hearing rumors about since Reagan was in office. The movie is going to be called 'King Conan', and this isn’t just talk. Arnie himself is apparently taking this chance pretty seriously... maybe more seriously than his own joints should allow.

Arnold’s Return to Hyboria: What’s the Story?

Quick refresher: Schwarzenegger first donned the fur loincloth as Conan back in 1982, smashing his way through 'Conan the Barbarian' and helping define what ‘sword & sorcery’ looks like on the big screen. The original was based on Robert E. Howard’s pulpy novels — lots of revenge, ancient gods, and more flexing than dialogue. The first movie was such a staple that they rushed out a sequel, 'Conan the Destroyer', in 1984. And then… nothing. For years.

For ages, people kept whispering about a third movie. Scripts were written and abandoned, directors attached and detached, but nothing that ever really seemed to get past the ‘maybe someday’ stage. Until now. Schwarzenegger finally confirmed that 'King Conan' is officially on. This time, he’s re-teaming with Christopher McQuarrie — the director behind the new 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' and the guy who scripted 'Top Gun: Maverick', which bodes well for the script, at least.

Yes, Arnie’s 78. Yes, He Knows.

Let’s address the woolly mammoth in the room: Schwarzenegger is 78 now, which isn’t exactly the age most people start prepping for shirtless battle scenes. Back when he first swung a broadsword, he was in his early 30s and basically carved out of granite. Since then? Open heart surgery, a hip replacement, and a lifetime of action movie injuries.

But if you think that’d slow down the Terminator, think again. According to some insiders (the kind who apparently hang out at his gym), Arnold’s gone back to 'gut-busting workouts' that have his family watching like they’re bracing themselves for a pulled hamstring at any second.

'Things are moving quickly after several months of behind-the-scenes planning. Arnold is still pretty robust, especially for somebody his age... [but] the reality is setting in that he’s finally going to make this movie.'

Honestly, is anyone surprised? Guy’s won Mr. Olympia seven times — even if the muscles are more vintage now, the determination hasn’t faded.

A Little (CGI) Help from His Friends

Still, let’s be real. No one expects him to look like he did in his Mr. Universe days, and apparently, neither does he. They’re planning to use CGI to help Conan look like, well, a 'legendary barbarian-slash-king'. But Arnold is reportedly determined to bring as much of his own, actual body to the part as possible. In other words: minimal digital abs, maximal real sweat.

'What he is afraid of is making a substandard sequel. He’s already hitting the gym with renewed effort and pushing himself to the limit. He wants his real physique on display as much as possible, but he knows special effects will be deployed to make up the difference.'

The King Conan Plot: What’s Actually Happening?

They’re not giving up much about the story yet, but Schwarzenegger did drop a hint: the film picks up with Conan after he’s ruled as king for forty years, only to get kicked off his throne. That means we’re getting an older, probably grumpier Conan facing down new enemies, dealing with betrayals, and — because this is Conan — plenty of 'madness, violence, magic and creatures and stuff like that.' If you wanted a gritty king on the comeback trail, sounds like this is it.

What Else Is Arnold Up To?

• He says 'Commando 2' is in the works. (Yes, that’s right, Matrix might be back.)
• A potential return to the 'Predator' franchise is now also being talked about. (Because nothing stops Arnie from fighting aliens, apparently.)

Right now, there’s not much officially announced for casting or a release date, and as always, this could technically stall out again — but Arnold sounds like a man on a mission. So, if you’ve been waiting since the era of VHS tapes to watch Conan rule (and lose) his kingdom, dust off your Atlantean sword — it might finally happen.