The Legend Of Conan writer talks links to original films

The Legend Of Conan seems to have been on the horizon for some time now, and while the initial summer start date hasn't materialised, producer Fredrik Malmberg has suggested production may begin in the fall. With that in mind, writer Chris Morgan has given an update to The Arnold Fans, explaining how the new film will link to the originals.

"A light-hearted Conan?!" begins Morgan. "CROM! No. Our tone is a logical extension of the character established in the ’82 film…but 30 years later. When we meet him again, Conan has been many things over the course of his life — a thief, a warrior, a pirate, a king, a legend — and is now an older man. Think Unforgiven…with a sword-wielding barbarian."

"John Milius was a visionary," he continues. "And a hero of mine. He established a milieu that is stunning and violent and clear — incomparable. The goal, the dream, is to live up to his world. To make it worthy. And to expand on it in a truthful way that audiences will embrace. We’re very lucky that the architects of this new film — the writer, the producers, the studio and most of all, Arnold — who is Conan — are all first-generation fans who either worked on the film or who came along for the ride, cheering from their theater seats opening night."

"We plan nothing more than to immerse ourselves in the world Milius envisioned from Robert E. Howard’s unforgettable stories and Frank Frazetta’s stunning artwork. I can’t give specifics (nobody likes a spoiler!), but know we are honouring the locales, the religions and the traditions of the ’82 film."

Morgan also went on to confirm there will be at least three familiar faces returning from the original film, one of whom will be Schwarzenegger. Hopefully we will get a concrete update on a start and release date sooner rather than later…

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George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.