Brian Damage
01-22-2010, 12:50 AM
On the same day that the Conan O’Brien versus NBC drama concluded with a $44.5 million deal, Nu Image/Millennium and Lionsgate have found their star for the reboot of Conan the Barbarian.
According to the always reliable Latino Review, Jason Momoa from “Stargate: Atlantis” has won the role and studio approval. The Hawaiian-born model/actor was the top pick of director Marcus Nispel, but a charming visit with the suits and another screen test this week landed him the part today.
Momoa was in contention with Twilight saga supporting actor Kellen Lutz and Nispel’s Friday the 13th remake actor Jared Padalecki. Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the 1982 original.
I’m not convinced Lutz was ever really an option but more of an opportunity for the studio to drum up a little discussion about their reboot. Now that Conan has been announced, and it isn’t Lutz, the target male demographic can breathe a sigh of relief.
I’m happy with the pick, especially considering most of the role is in the intimidating look. He’ll have roughly eight weeks to get into shape before carrying the broadsword in Bulgaria this March. Also, I believe the dreadlocks are already gone, in case you’re worried.
Additionally, the website broke the news that The Wrestler star Mickey Rourke may play Conan’s father, Corin. If he passes, it may go to Avatar villain Stephen Lang next. We’ll have to wait and see.
http://www.newsinfilm.com/2010/01/21/jason-momoa-in-conan-the-barbarian-reboot/
According to the always reliable Latino Review, Jason Momoa from “Stargate: Atlantis” has won the role and studio approval. The Hawaiian-born model/actor was the top pick of director Marcus Nispel, but a charming visit with the suits and another screen test this week landed him the part today.
Momoa was in contention with Twilight saga supporting actor Kellen Lutz and Nispel’s Friday the 13th remake actor Jared Padalecki. Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the 1982 original.
I’m not convinced Lutz was ever really an option but more of an opportunity for the studio to drum up a little discussion about their reboot. Now that Conan has been announced, and it isn’t Lutz, the target male demographic can breathe a sigh of relief.
I’m happy with the pick, especially considering most of the role is in the intimidating look. He’ll have roughly eight weeks to get into shape before carrying the broadsword in Bulgaria this March. Also, I believe the dreadlocks are already gone, in case you’re worried.
Additionally, the website broke the news that The Wrestler star Mickey Rourke may play Conan’s father, Corin. If he passes, it may go to Avatar villain Stephen Lang next. We’ll have to wait and see.
http://www.newsinfilm.com/2010/01/21/jason-momoa-in-conan-the-barbarian-reboot/