Key moments
Arnold Schwarzenegger confirmed on March 9, 2026, at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, that he is in talks to revive three iconic roles from the 1980s: Dutch Schaefer from Predator, the titular character in Conan the Barbarian, and John Matrix from Commando.
Schwarzenegger, now 78 years old, emphasized that studios are crafting these roles specifically for his age, indicating a shift in how Hollywood approaches legacy franchises. He noted that the character of Conan will be age-appropriate, returning as a seasoned king who faces overwhelming odds to reclaim his kingdom.
Christopher McQuarrie has been attached to write and direct King Conan, with 20th Century Studios providing significant funding for the project. This reflects a broader trend in the industry where major studios are showing confidence in established franchises, especially those featuring original stars.
In addition to King Conan, Dan Trachtenberg is reportedly in discussions with Schwarzenegger about a potential return as Dutch Schaefer in Predator. It has been 39 years since Schwarzenegger’s original debut in the 1987 film, and the character’s return is seen as a nostalgic nod to fans of the franchise.
Furthermore, Schwarzenegger has received a script for Commando 2, and negotiations with studios are ongoing. The production budgets for these films suggest a strong belief from studios that audiences are eager to see Schwarzenegger back in action roles.
Schwarzenegger’s willingness to return to these franchises indicates a confidence from studios that there is still a demand for his iconic characters. He stated, “The character will be age-appropriate, with Conan returning as a seasoned king who gets forced out of his kingdom and must fight back against overwhelming odds.” This approach not only respects the legacy of the characters but also aligns with the current trends in Hollywood.
In a related note, actress Minnie Driver recently recalled how Schwarzenegger helped her during a wardrobe malfunction at the 1998 Oscars, showcasing his supportive nature off-screen. She humorously noted, “I’m not kidding you, Jim Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger got down on their hands and knees and they found — I mean, there were hundreds of them. They found every single bead but four. They were obsessed!”
As Schwarzenegger prepares to potentially step back into these beloved roles, it remains clear that his legacy in Hollywood continues to influence the industry, particularly in how studios approach the revival of classic characters.
