What is best in life? Deadline has learned that Netflix is developing a live-action series based on Robert E. Howard’s battle-hardened, swords-and-sorcery hero, Conan the Cimmerian. The character was famously portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Conan the Barbarian (1982) and Conan the Destroyer (1984), but it isn’t clear whether Netflix will take inspiration from John Milius’s original hit.
“The move would fit into Netflix’s strategy of acquiring globally recognizable IP to build an universe of films and TV series, including Roald Dahl’s novels, The Chronicles of Narnia books and comics publisher Millarworld,” Deadline noted.
“A search is currently underway for a writer/showrunner to pen the Conan adaptation and director to helm the project. Malmberg and Wheeler will serve as executive producers on the potential series through their Pathfinder Media.”
A reboot of Conan the Barbarian was released in 2011 with Aquaman’s Jason Momoa in the titular role, but it was a critical and financial flop. Critics argued that Marcus Nispel’s direction paled in comparison to Milius’s, whose action sequences were nothing short of epic. The reliance on CG didn’t help the film, either.
What Conan fans have been wondering is whether Arnold’s long-rumored King Conan will ever get made. The third film is supposed to revolve around a 70-year-old Conan (a perfect fit for the actor) and his ruling days, but rights issues have reportedly put it on hold.