Jason Momoa from 'Stargate: Atlantis' Is 'Conan'

I think I'm treating this movie with less enthusiasm than other online writers might. I just don't think a new Conan movie is going to shake the rafters, and the casting announcement about who will play Conan in the reboot just kind of underscores that for me. I don't mean any disrespect to Jason Momoa from Stargate: Atlantis, the actor Latino Review says has landed the role, but the reason the two Conan movies drew any audience in the 1980s was Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sure, they were his first leading roles in major films, but he was already something of a commodity and, like Bruce Lee a decade before, his ascension was almost unavoidable. Hell, I was 11 when Conan came out, and I already knew who Arnold was. So I think the new Conan is already operating from a deficit. If the goal is to build a franchise - and let's not pretend Lionsgate has a host of artistic goals for this one - then I don't see how you go this direction. The studio will have to build a ton of momentum with a relatively unknown actor somewhere in the middle of the pack of a resurgence of swordplay movies. I'm not saying nobody will see it - the source material is strong and Lionsgate will surely throw money at it to get the word out - but I don't smell a massive hit developing here. Apparently, Lionsgate was wowed by Momoa's auditions and screetests, helping him swipe the role from Kellan Lutz (Twilight) and Jared Padelecki (Supernatural). And again, I'm not down on him, but with Marcus Nispel (Friday the 13th) directing, I would've thought a bigger star would be the way to go. Clearly, based on the final candidates, the studio and perhaps Nispel wanted to work with someone from whom there wouldn't be astronomical expectations. Latino Review also says Mickey Rourke has been offered the role of Conan's father, which would add a rather bizarre element to this whole thing. That doesn't exactly speak highly of the project, either; remember, Mickey had to be talked out of wrestling in the WWE during the nomination process for the Academy Awards about a year ago, so he likes the money.

Comments

[WF]

'swipe' the role? From what I've read, Jason Momoa impressed Marcus Nispel. Casting someone because they're a name doesn't always work (lord knows there are tons of dreadful movies with big name actors). Momoa's shown, in Stargate Atlantis, that he can definitely do fight scenes, so, hey, I'm going to check it out.

[Get The Big Picture]

I mean "swipe" as in just took the role away based on his screen tests, not as in "he stole this from someone more deserving."

[allikohcysp]

The 2 Conan movies of the past sucked major gonads.
I hope this one doesn't suck as bad. I actually look forward to this one now I know this dude will be playin Conan and not some unatural steroid junkie who looks as agile as a bowling ball.

[Alex]

Without any offence, but Mamoa is not the right actor for this role.Conan deserve something better. Mamoa hasn't the right appeal or the right physical appearance for this role! I will not see the movie...Sorry!