LOS ANGELES – Arnold Schwarzenegger, the action icon who defined a generation of blockbuster films, is in discussions to reprise his roles in several of his most celebrated franchises: Predator, Conan the Barbarian, and Commando. The news, initially revealed by Schwarzenegger himself during an appearance at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, signals a potential resurgence of the actor in the action genre, decades after his initial reign. This comes as studios actively seek to capitalize on nostalgia and established intellectual property, and as Schwarzenegger, now 77, expresses a continued enthusiasm for the roles that made him a global star.
The actor’s comments have ignited excitement among fans, prompting speculation about how these iconic characters might be reimagined for a modern audience. While details remain scarce, the conversations suggest a willingness from studios to revisit these properties with Schwarzenegger at the helm, albeit in roles tailored to his current age and physicality. The potential projects represent a significant opportunity for both Schwarzenegger and the studios involved, offering a blend of fan service and the potential for latest, compelling narratives.
Schwarzenegger first captivated audiences with his portrayal of Conan in 1982’s Conan the Barbarian, a film directed by John Milius. He followed this success with 1984’s Conan the Destroyer, cementing his status as a leading action hero. His physicality and commanding presence were instrumental in the films’ success, establishing a template for the sword-and-sorcery genre. The original Conan the Barbarian required intense physical preparation, as Schwarzenegger detailed in his 2023 memoir, Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life. He described rigorous training in horseback riding, camel riding, elephant handling, rock climbing, and even learning how to fall safely from heights. He recounted enduring grueling conditions during filming, including crawling through rocks until his forearms bled and sustaining a 40-stitch gash on his back.
A Return to the Jungle: Predator
The prospect of Schwarzenegger returning to the Predator universe is particularly intriguing, given his iconic role as Major Alan ‘Dutch’ Schaefer in the 1987 original. He briefly revisited the character in 2025 through his likeness in the animated anthology film Predator: Killer of Killers, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, appearing in a suspended animation chamber – a detail that hinted at a possible future return. According to Schwarzenegger, discussions with director Dan Trachtenberg are underway regarding his potential involvement in a new Predator installment. “They did an additional Predator and the director Dan Trachtenberg has been doing a great job of that. Now, he wants me to be in the next Predator. We’ve talked about it,” he stated. The success of Trachtenberg’s Prey (2022), a prequel to the original Predator, demonstrated a renewed interest in the franchise and paved the way for further exploration of the alien hunter’s world.
Commando 2: A Blast from the Past
Alongside Predator, Schwarzenegger revealed that Fox Studios has approached him with a script for Commando 2, a sequel to the 1985 action classic. The original Commando, known for its over-the-top action sequences and Schwarzenegger’s one-man army persona, remains a beloved cult film. The studio’s renewed interest in the franchise suggests a desire to tap into the nostalgia surrounding 1980s action cinema. Schwarzenegger indicated that the studio is actively developing the project, signaling a serious intent to bring back the character of Colonel John Matrix. He noted that Fox Studios, now owned by Disney, “has kind of rediscovered Arnold,” and is eager to collaborate on these projects.
King Conan: A New Chapter for the Barbarian
Perhaps the most ambitious of the potential sequels is King Conan, a project envisioned as a continuation of the Conan storyline, focusing on the character’s reign as king. Schwarzenegger described the concept as a story where Conan, after 40 years on the throne, is forced to confront new conflicts and reclaim his kingdom. “With King Conan, it’s a great old story that Conan was 40 years as king and now he gets forced out of the kingdom and there’s conflict, of course, but somehow he comes back and there’s all kinds of madness, violence, magic and creatures and stuff like that,” he explained. The studio has reportedly enlisted Christopher McQuarrie, the director behind the recent Mission: Impossible films starring Tom Cruise, to write and direct the project. McQuarrie’s involvement lends credibility to the project, given his track record of delivering high-octane action and compelling narratives.
A previous attempt to revive the Conan franchise in 2011, with Jason Momoa in the title role, proved commercially underwhelming, earning $63 million worldwide against a reported production budget of $90 million. This reboot failed to capture the same magic as the original Schwarzenegger films, highlighting the importance of the actor’s presence and charisma to the franchise’s success. The new approach, focusing on an older, more seasoned Conan, could offer a fresh perspective on the character and appeal to both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
Adapting to Age: A New Approach to Action
Schwarzenegger acknowledged the need to adapt the action sequences to his age, emphasizing that the films will be “age appropriate.” “They don’t write them like I’m 40 years old. You write it to be age appropriate. I’ll still go in there and kick some a**, but it will be different,” he stated. This suggests a more strategic and nuanced approach to the action, potentially focusing on Conan’s wisdom and experience rather than solely relying on brute force. The use of modern special effects will also play a crucial role in enhancing the visual spectacle and creating a believable portrayal of the character’s continued prowess. He also expressed optimism about the financial backing for these projects, noting that “the studio has plenty of money to make those movies really sizeable.”
The potential return of Arnold Schwarzenegger to these iconic roles represents a significant moment for action cinema. It’s a testament to his enduring appeal and the lasting impact of his films on popular culture. While the projects are still in the early stages of development, the conversations suggest a genuine desire from both the actor and the studios to deliver sequels that honor the legacy of these beloved franchises while offering a fresh and exciting experience for audiences. The success of these ventures will likely depend on striking a balance between nostalgia and innovation, and on crafting narratives that resonate with contemporary viewers.
As of March 10, 2026, no official release dates have been announced for any of these potential sequels. Further updates are expected as the projects move forward in development. Fans can stay informed through official announcements from the studios involved and through Schwarzenegger’s social media channels. The entertainment industry will be closely watching to see if these iconic action heroes will once again grace the silver screen, and if Schwarzenegger can reclaim his throne as the king of action.
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