Conan the Barbarian has long been a beloved character in the realm of fantasy fiction, known for
its rich tapestry of adventure and mythology. However, the path to bringing Conan back to the screen has been
as tumultuous as one of the Cimmerian‘s own epic journeys. Most recently, Netflix has become a central
figure in this unfolding story, having once secured the rights to the entire Conan library. The
potential was enormous – a live-action series was on the cards, with the additional promise of expansions
into animated films and series. This could have offered fans a multi-faceted experience across different
formats, providing new generations the chance to engage with this iconic character in fresh and intriguing
ways.
The excitement levels surged when esteemed filmmaker Robert Rodriguez gave a peek behind the curtains during
an interview on Joe Rogan’s popular podcast. Rodriguez, a visionary director in his own right, had harbored
personal ambitions to work on the Conan franchise. When he approached Netflix with his pitch –
likely filled with his unique brand of creative flair – he discovered an unexpected roadblock: Netflix had
allowed the rights to lapse. It leaves a question mark looming over who now holds the reins to Conan’s
screen future and fuels speculation about what pathways might emerge for his story.
Reflecting on past revelations, back in 2020, industry insiders and fans got wind of Netflix’s broader plans
through a report by Variety. The streaming giant had tied Samson-like foundations with Conan
Properties International, the entity managing Conan’s extensive universe, and its parent company, Cabinet
Entertainment. They also teamed up with Pathfinder Media, an organization adept at blending Conan’s rich
lore and the Hyborian Age into its famed tabletop role-playing games. This move promised a renaissance for
Conan, inviting old and new fans alike to explore live-action dimensions of the Cimmerian’s life. However,
despite the early buzz, Netflix did not officially announce any grand plans, leaving fans circling in a
limbo of anticipation.Unfortunately, this ambitious contract seemed doomed to lie dormant. Robert Rodriguez revealed more in his
recounting of the whole affair. He had hoped to craft a trilogy of films that would stay true to the original
essence of Robert E. Howard’s stories. His vision involved collaborating with modern legends like James
Cameron, recognizing that such a venture was a rare convergence of opportunity and artistry. But, like many
bold conquests, the pitch fell silent in the echoing halls of filmmaking possibilities. Conversations with
Cameron seemed to suggest that the cinematic halls were well aware of yet another unrealized opportunity to
delve into the legendary world Howard conceived.
During his talk with Rogan, Rodriguez pinpointed a harsh reality: “Netflix had it. I went and pitched it to them.
And they then… they let the rights lapse. Sometimes it’s too much baggage for a character.” Despite
Jason Momoa’s 2011 portrayal of the iconic hero bringing fresh blood to the saga, Rodriguez lamented that no
adaptation had genuinely captured Conan’s primal spirit, deeply rooted in the storied pages of Howard’s original
narratives. The filmmaker’s reflections invite consideration of whether the character’s depth is genuinely
being explored, considering Conan’s rich experiences of battles, explorations, and eventual kingship.
In the vast cosmos of fantasy and adventure, Robert E. Howard stands as a beacon, having invented a sprawling
universe through his narratives, collectively defined as the Hyborian Age—a fictitious segment of our ancient
past. Howard’s imaginings made Conan more than just a warrior; he was a descendant of Atlantean lineage, a
solitary hero, a symbol of kingly authority and raw independence. The mythical Hyborian Age serves as the
perfect canvas for tales of might and mystery, drawing readers into a world defined by its epic setting and
rich tapestries of ancient myth. While Howard might have departed this world at just 30, his literary legacy is
preserved by those who continue to weave stories in Conan’s world, with Howard hailed as the progenitor of the
swords-and-sorcery genre.
As we stand today, the saga of Conan the Barbarian continues to capture imaginations. The 1982 movie
adaptation of this timeless tale streams on AMC+, while the modern iteration, crafted in 2011, is procurable via
several digital platforms. Yet, despite Conan’s evergreen allure, there remains no formal announcement about the
future for this fabled Cimmerian. Fans await with bated breath for any news of his next cinematic incarnation,
ever hopeful for a new narrative arc that not only pays homage to original tales but also invites innovative
interpretations befitting an evergreen hero.
