Arnold Schwarzenegger will return in 2027 with King Conan, the sequel to Conan the Barbarian. The original 1982 flick endures as one of the most iconic sword-and-sorcery films ever made, largely because of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s towering, physical presence and sheer charisma in the lead role. Fans still revere the 1982 film for its gritty atmosphere, mythic tone, and the way it launched Arnold into superstardom.

Now, decades later, a new chapter in the legend is finally on the way, with a long-awaited sequel set to continue Conan’s saga.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has officially confirmed with TheArnoldFans that he will return to one of his most iconic roles in King Conan, a long-rumored sequel to his 1982 sword-and-sorcery landmark Conan the Barbarian.

"Next year, we are going to do King Conan,” he said. The film is set to begin filming in 2027, with Christopher McQuarrie attached to write and direct. Known for his work on the Mission: Impossible franchise, McQuarrie brings a reputation for tightly constructed, high-stakes storytelling.

The project reflects a long-gestating ambition for Schwarzenegger, who has spoken for years about revisiting Conan in a meaningful way. This time, the character is envisioned as an aging king rather than an unstoppable warrior. That shift reframes the narrative into something more introspective, with a ruler confronting both external threats and the weight of his own legacy.

Schwarzenegger has compared the tone to Unforgiven, emphasizing a story about a graying hero pulled back into conflict. The approach suggests a grounded, character-driven arc rather than pure spectacle. For longtime fans, it offers a compelling contrast between the mythic strength of Conan’s past and the reality of time catching up.

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That thematic bridge between myth and legacy sets the stage for another franchise shaped by Conan’s DNA.

The new Masters of the Universe film traces its roots back to two defining forces of 1980s pop culture, Conan the Barbarian and Star Wars. Originally launched by Mattel, the He-Man property borrowed heavily from Conan’s visual identity. Muscular heroes, mystical weapons, and ancient fortresses defined its world, though it was packaged in a format accessible to younger audiences.

At the same time, the franchise absorbed narrative elements from Star Wars, particularly its focus on destiny and moral conflict. This fusion created a tone that balanced barbarian mythology with space-fantasy ambition. It allowed the star-studded Masters of the Universe to stand apart while still echoing the grand storytelling traditions of both inspirations.

The upcoming film leans fully into that hybrid identity, blending grounded combat with large-scale spectacle. He-Man’s battles channel the tactile intensity of Conan, while the broader stakes evoke the cosmic struggle seen in Star Wars. The result aims to deliver a modern reiteration that feels both nostalgic and expansive, linking Schwarzenegger’s legacy to a new generation of fantasy storytelling.

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What do you think about Arnold Schwarzenegger returning as Conan after all these years? Let us know in the comments.