Conan movie gets a director

[monkeybutlersforall]

According to those fine folks over at empireonline Marcus Nispel has signed on to replace Brett Ratner as director of the new Conan movie which is due to start shooting in August.

I'm not sure quite what to make of this news - Nispel's CV is a bit of a mixed bag to say the least, including the Texas Chainsaw remake (decent), Pathfinder (shit) and the Friday the 13th remake (er, I havent seen it yet - I am ashamed).

I can only assume that the rapidly approaching start date was the reason the producers entrusted this mega-budget potential franchise to someone with an unproven track record, but Nispel is apparently a lifelong Conan fan and has fought hard for the gig.

Rumors that the new movie will stick much closer to Robert E. Howard's original stories than the Arnie version are, in my opinion, very good news but with no word on who will be stepping into the loincloth (or any other casting) I can't help worry that this movie is going to feel a little rushed.

What do y'all think? Looking forward to it or dreading the thought? Personally, I wish Mr. Nispel all the luck in the world and hope he manages to pull it all together to make a modern classic! I still can't help but worry though.....

[The Butcher]

Well, the good news is that we'll probably get an R rating from this director. At least an unrated version on the final DVD. The bad news is, his resume isn't very impressive.

I agree with you thinking that the movie is going to be rushed, which is too bad. Is there any word on who's playing Conan?

[monkeybutlersforall]

No word yet on the new Conan but an anouncement will be made 'very shortly' (their words).
Safe money is on an unknown, although the producers have stated that being built like a brick shithouse isn't enough this time around - they want talent over muscles.

[T-1000]

Based on his horror background the film will be violent as he'll. I'm hoping for lots of naked chicks like in the comics.

[psychobillyjekyll]

What's up with everybody remaking Governator films. Predator, Total Recall, Conan, and even adding another Terminator (not a remake, but still definitely in Governator territory)? I can't put my finger on it, but I have something for the 80's action "classics" that feels the need to resist these remakes.