Rumors regarding a potential new Conan movie have circulated online for years, but as of late 2023 and moving into 2024, there is no official live-action theatrical Conan film currently in production or scheduled for release. While the character remains culturally significant and animated projects have been discussed, the landscape for a new Conan movie is defined by development hell rather than imminent release dates.
Current Status of Conan Film Projects
For over a decade, fans have navigated a maze of announcements regarding a new Conan movie. At various points, studios like Universal Pictures and producers such as Chris Morgan have attached names to the property, suggesting scripts were in development. However, none of these projects have progressed past the pre-production phase to the point of securing a release date, leaving the question of a new Conan movie in a state of perpetual uncertainty.
Historical Context and Past Attempts
The journey to find a new Conan movie has been littered with high-profile attempts that ultimately failed to materialize. A project attached to director Andrea Berloff and writer David Leslie Johnson was announced around 2019 with hopes of launching a shared cinematic universe. Similarly, earlier ambitions involving different screenwriters and studios have stalled, demonstrating the difficulty of translating Robert E. Howard's iconic hero to the screen amidst changing audience tastes and studio priorities.
The Animation Angle
With live-action efforts consistently hitting roadblocks, the most promising avenue for a new Conan story currently lies in animated media. Reports and rumors periodically surface regarding animated series or films from various studios. While these projects are often kept quiet during early development, they represent a more feasible path to bringing the character back to life compared to the stalled live-action endeavors.
Why Live-Action Remains Elusive
The challenges facing a new Conan movie are multifaceted. The character's sword-and-sorcery setting requires significant budget for visual effects, which can deter studios seeking lower-risk investments. Furthermore, the lack of a clear, modern narrative hook that separates a potential film from the original 1982 movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger complicates the pitch, making executives hesitant to greenlight new projects.
Fan Expectations and Future Possibilities
Despite the lack of concrete news, the passion of the fanbase ensures that the question "is there a new Conan movie coming out" remains relevant. The character's public domain status in some jurisdictions opens the door for independent productions. While a major studio release may be unlikely in the immediate term, the possibility of a lower-budget indie film or a high-quality animated series keeps the legend of Conan alive for future generations.
Project Type | Status | Timeline
Live-Action Film | In Development / Stalled | No official release date announced
Animated Film or Series | Rumored / Early Development | Potential future announcement
Streaming Release | Not Confirmed | Undetermined
Ultimately, while the desire for a new Conan movie is strong, the reality is that fans should not expect an imminent theatrical release. The focus remains on navigating the gap between past glories and future potential, where the next great Conan story could emerge from an unexpected corner of the entertainment industry.
