I realize the name Conan these days incites thoughts of the embittered late night cable wars, but let’s not forget about the ultimate ass-kicking machine, CONAN THE BARBARIAN. And doing a good job keeping the name as relevant as the other Conan, word has just hit that TV star Jason Momoa has been tapped to take the lead in Lionsgate’s reboot of CONAN. Read on…
Apparently Momoa, the “North Shore” and “Stargate: Atlantis” star, beat out TWILIGHT’s Kellan Lutz, his primary contender for the role. Jared Padalecki, who worked with director Marcus Nispel on the FRIDAY THE 13TH remake, was also said to be in the running. Yet after wooing top studio brass and rockin’ an impressive screen test, the role has been handed to Momoa. But that’s not all…
According to Latinoreview.com, Mickey Rourke has been sent an offer to play Corin, the father of Conan in the new Nispel rendition. Say wha???? This could be an interesting development, especially given Rourke’s current slate of action films, including IRON MAN 2 and THE EXPENDABLES (this year alone).
Of course, I still wonder why the hell Arnie ain’t up for the lead. We all saw him lobbying for the limelight at the Globes last week…it’s clear the dude is just itching to get back in the game. Then given the PREDATOR, TERMINATOR and now CONAN rehashes, Arnie must be champing at the bit.
Thoughts?
Momoa’s “The Game” co-star Brittany Daniel!