Conan the Barbarian is set to make a big screen comeback next year, but this time around it won’t be Arnie donning the loincloth; instead the leading role will pass to Jason Momoa (best known for his tough, barbaric, role as Ronon Dex in the Stargate Atlantis TV series), making for a more lean and agile Conan than movie fans are used to, but one that will still be very tough, extremely handy with a blade, and more faithful to Robert E. Howard’s original vision of the character.
Millennium Films acquired the rights to Conan back in August 2007, and have been battling to get the film made ever since; Marcus Nispel is set to direct, and has so far hired Jason Momoa (after a reportedly very impressive sword screen test) for the lead role, Leo Howard (G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra) as the younger Conan, and Mickey Rourke to play Corin (Conan’s ill-fated father, and one of the many people he sets out to avenge following a rather unpleasant mass slaughter) after a rocky road that reportedly had the actor walk away from negotiations last month (Jan), after the two sides couldn’t agree on a deal, but thankfully came back and is now firmly locked in.
There’s little word yet on any other cast members, although Raw Leiba (Red Right Wrong) is rumoured to be making an appearance, but things must be closing in as filming is due to start mid March (so in just a few weeks), with a planned release of sometime next year; all but finishing off the dream of a third Conan movie with Arnie behind the broadsword.
