Conan Netflix Series Gets Disappointing Update From Robert Rodriguez (So What’s Next?)

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As a devoted fan of the mighty Conan the Barbarian, I find myself navigating the unknown about his upcoming screen adventures. Previously, it was announced that Netflix had acquired the rights to the entire Conan library, intending to create a live-action series with potential spin-offs in animation as well. However, during a recent conversation with Joe Rogan, filmmaker Robert Rodriguez shared some intriguing insights about these plans. It appeared that he was eager to contribute to the Conan franchise but found out that Netflix had relinquished the rights. Now, it remains unclear who controls the destiny of this legendary hero and what lies ahead for him in his epic journey.

In 2020, Variety shared news about a broad agreement giving Netflix control over the Conan the Barbarian franchise. Netflix negotiated with Conan Properties International and its parent company Cabinet Entertainment, along with Pathfinder Media – a company that blends Conan’s mythology and the Hyborian Age into tabletop role-playing games. While Netflix didn’t reveal any major plans, this announcement sparked excitement among fans, eager to learn more about the franchise’s future.

Unfortunately, the deal didn’t materialize, as Rodriguez shared that he had proposed concepts for Conan to Netflix. His vision was to create a trilogy based on Robert E. Howard’s original tales, but he didn’t receive any response. He even engaged in discussions about this project with James Cameron, feeling it was a unique opportunity to bring this legendary world to life.

Netflix previously held the rights to the movie. I approached them with a pitch about it, and they eventually allowed the rights to expire. Rodriguez commented that sometimes a character can be too burdened with baggage. He also stated that while there is much to admire in Jason Momoa’s 2011 Conan film, no one has truly embodied the essence of the Conan character from the books as yet.

In his fantasy tales, Howard established an expansive universe called the Hyborian Age, a fictionalized depiction of Earth’s ancient history. The protagonist of many of these stories was Conan, who traced his lineage to an Atlantean explorer and eventually evolved into a warrior, wanderer, and ultimately, a king. Tragically, Howard died at the young age of 30, but other writers carried on the legacy of Conan and the Hyborian Age. Howard is often recognized as the founder of the swords-and-sorcery literary subgenre.

Currently, the 1982 film version of “Conan the Barbarian” can be streamed on AMC+, while the 2011 adaptation is accessible for rent or purchase digitally through PVOD platforms. As for the future, there’s no news regarding further adventures for the legendary Cimmerian warrior.

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2025-04-29 22:19