Conan 3: The Unfinished Legend Of Arnold Schwarzenegger

Hey guys! Let's dive into the mythical world of Conan the Barbarian and explore the long-awaited, yet ultimately unrealized, Conan 3 starring the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger. For years, fans have yearned for a proper conclusion to the adventures of the Cimmerian warrior, and while we've gotten glimpses of potential scripts and concepts, the project has remained elusive. This article is your ultimate guide, we'll explore the history of the franchise, the hopes and dreams surrounding Conan 3, and why it's been such a tough nut to crack. Let's get this show on the road!

The Barbarian's Legacy: A Recap

Before we jump into Conan 3, let's quickly revisit the legacy of the original films. Conan the Barbarian (1982) and Conan the Destroyer (1984) were iconic in the sword-and-sorcery genre. They made Arnold a household name and defined his early career. These films were more than just action flicks; they were visual feasts, with memorable characters, a captivating score, and quotes that fans still recite today. The original Conan, directed by John Milius, was particularly praised for its epic scope, its exploration of themes like destiny and vengeance, and its gritty, realistic portrayal of the Hyborian Age. It gave us iconic scenes, and it established Conan as a tragic hero.

Conan the Destroyer, on the other hand, was a more family-friendly affair. While it still had action and adventure, it leaned more into the fantasy elements, with a lighter tone and a focus on teamwork. It wasn't as critically acclaimed as the first film, but it was still a box office success, further solidifying the franchise's popularity. They really captured the essence of Robert E. Howard's stories, bringing the raw power of Conan to life on the big screen. The first movie was a darker, more serious adventure, while the second was more lighthearted, showcasing Conan's strength while balancing him with other characters. In the Conan movie universe, Arnold was a force to be reckoned with. The films left a mark on pop culture, influencing countless other films, video games, and even comics. So, the question is, why was there no Conan 3? The answer is more complex than you might think.

The Quest for Conan 3: Hopes and Hurdles

The idea of Conan 3 has floated around Hollywood for decades. There have been many attempts to resurrect the Cimmerian. The biggest hurdle, of course, was getting Arnold back on board. In the 2000s, there were several serious attempts to bring Conan back to the big screen. The project went through numerous iterations. There were different scripts floating around, various directors attached, and constant debates about the direction of the film. One of the most promising concepts, at one point, was to have Conan 3 act as a direct sequel to the original movie, ignoring the events of Conan the Destroyer. This would have allowed the film to recapture the tone and atmosphere of the first film, appealing to the fans who preferred the darker, more brutal version of Conan. But the script was ultimately scrapped. The studio executives felt that Arnold was too old for the role. With his busy schedule and a change in his political career, his involvement became uncertain. There were several scripts, one featuring Conan as an older, wiser warrior, and another one that involved time travel, and more. Despite the best efforts of the writers and producers, the film never got off the ground. The project was constantly delayed, and eventually, it was shelved. Let's be honest, it's a huge task.

Several factors have contributed to the prolonged development hell. First, the rights to the Conan character have been tangled for years, moving between various studios and production companies. This made it difficult to secure funding and greenlight the project. Second, the cost of making a big-budget sword-and-sorcery film is substantial. Studios are always cautious about investing large sums of money in projects that might not guarantee a return. Finally, the changing tastes of audiences and the rise of other fantasy franchises, like Game of Thrones, have made it difficult for Conan 3 to stand out. Let's be real, it's a very difficult and competitive business.

Potential Storylines and Concepts Explored

Over the years, various storylines for Conan 3 have been considered, each promising a unique chapter in the barbarian's saga. One popular concept involved Conan as an older, battle-hardened warrior, reflecting Schwarzenegger's own aging. This version would have explored themes of legacy, regret, and the finality of death. It would have been a poignant and fitting end to Conan's story. Another idea, which gained some traction, involved time travel. This would have allowed the filmmakers to revisit iconic moments from the original films, introducing new adventures to the story. This script even included a younger version of Conan, allowing for a mix of action sequences.

Another option considered was to adapt the Robert E. Howard stories that weren't included in the first two films. The core idea would be to have Conan encounter new enemies and challenges. While these ideas held promise, none of them fully materialized. The primary challenge was always to balance the fans' expectations with the realities of the movie business. The producers really wanted to make a movie that would please both die-hard fans and attract a new audience. The problem? It's easier said than done. The constant re-writes, the search for a director, and the shifting studio priorities all contributed to the film's delayed production. It was a never-ending cycle, really.

The Impact of the 2011 Reboot

In 2011, a Conan the Barbarian reboot was released, starring Jason Momoa. However, the film received mixed reviews and failed to capture the magic of the original. This reboot further complicated the prospects of Conan 3. The studio was reluctant to invest in another Conan film. The disappointing performance of the reboot made them feel as though the audience had lost interest in the franchise. Additionally, there was the challenge of finding a way to make a sequel. A sequel would have to connect to the original films while differentiating itself from the reboot. It was a very tricky situation. All of these factors combined to hinder any further development of Conan 3. It was a blow to fans who had waited for decades for Arnold to return to the role.

Why Conan 3 Never Happened: The Reasons

So, why did Conan 3 never become a reality? Well, there are several key reasons. The first is, of course, the rights issues. As mentioned earlier, the rights to Conan have been in a state of flux for years. This made it difficult to get the project off the ground. Another reason is Arnold's age and schedule. While he expressed interest in returning to the role, his commitments, as well as his age, were significant obstacles. Getting a major action movie off the ground is a Herculean task. The production of a film is a very complex process. A lot of different people, from actors to writers to producers, must be in agreement. It's a miracle that any movie ever gets made.

And let's not forget the financial considerations. The cost of producing a big-budget film in the sword-and-sorcery genre is huge. The studios are always hesitant about greenlighting projects that carry a high degree of financial risk. The changing tastes of audiences also played a role. The success of other fantasy franchises made the Conan franchise less relevant. The studio executives made decisions based on box office projections, and they simply did not feel the franchise would perform well. All these factors combined to make Conan 3 a nearly impossible project.

The Legacy of the Unmade Film

Although Conan 3 never materialized, its story is not without its own legacy. It's a testament to the enduring popularity of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Conan character. The anticipation and the endless discussions about the film have kept the spirit of the barbarian alive, even if it's only in our imaginations. The unmade film has become a symbol of unrealized potential and a reminder of the challenges of the film industry. The project also provides a glimpse into the creative process. The different concepts, the different scripts, and the never-ending rewrites tell the story of the many decisions and compromises that shape the course of a film. Even though we never saw Conan 3, its story is a part of the film's legacy.

The Future of Conan: Is There Hope?

So, what about the future? Is there any hope for a Conan movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger? Well, the chances are pretty slim. The actor's age and commitments, combined with the complexities of the film industry, make the project very unlikely. However, as the saying goes,