Schwarzenegger returns to iconic franchises: conan, predator, & commando

At 80, Arnold Schwarzenegger is gearing up for a potential resurgence in Hollywood, with plans to reprise roles in Conan the Barbarian, Predator, and Commando. The actor revealed the developments at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, signaling a busy period ahead for the action icon.

Schwarzenegger teases conan 3, predator sequel, commando 2

Speaking to Variety, Schwarzenegger confirmed ongoing discussions with Dan Trachtenberg, director of Predator: 1987, regarding a role in the next Predator film. He also mentioned that 20th Century Studios has approached him about Commando 2 and has hired a writer-director, reportedly Christopher McQuarrie, to pen King Conan.

The Conan the Barbarian franchise has been in development limbo for years, cycling through various titles like King Conan: Crown of Iron and The Legend of Conan. The current iteration reportedly follows an older, throne-sitting Conan, continuing where the original film left off.

While past Conan sequels have failed to capture the magic of the original, the renewed interest, particularly with McQuarrie at the helm, offers a fresh perspective. The potential return to Predator is especially noteworthy, given Trachtenberg’s previous work and the intriguing hints of a more substantial role for Schwarzenegger’s Dutch in a future Predator film.

A Twins sequel, titled Triplets, featuring Danny DeVito and Tracy Morgan, was announced in 2021 but has seen little progress since. However, the potential for three major franchise returns paints a picture of Schwarzenegger remaining a force in action cinema.

The news comes as a welcome development for fans eager to see Schwarzenegger back in his signature role. The actor’s enduring appeal and the studios’ willingness to revive these franchises suggest a continued appetite for classic action.