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Marcus Nispel to Fill In for Brett Ratner on Lionsgate's Conan

by Alex Billington
June 11, 2009

Ever since we heard back in early May that Brett Ratner had been dropped from Lionsgate's new Conan movie, we've been waiting with bated breath (not really) to find out which director would fill in and take over the project. Apparently it's a name we're all familiar with - Marcus Nispel. Over at CHUD they're reporting that their "impeccable source" has confirmed that Nispel has indeed signed on officially to take over Conan. They don't know if they'll still make the August start that producer Joe Gatta said they were shooting for, but they do mention that this means Nispel's The Last Voyage of Demeter will be delayed.

For those who don't instantly recognize the name, Marcus Nispel is the German director who most recently brought us the new Friday the 13th reboot. Before that he directed the Viking movie Pathfinder and the new The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake (but not the sequel). I actually like Nispel, hes got a really great style and he knows what he's doing, for the most part. Pathfinder was a disaster more because of the script, but it did at least look really good. As for whether Nispel can handle Conan the Barbarian, I definitely think he can - as long as he has a good to script to work from. Except that no one knows who's writing the latest draft.

Filed under Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

Richard

Pathfinder was really crappy I wanted to like it and even debate buying the bluray sometimes I just cant bring myself to it, I think I like Outlander better.
http://myspace.com/erikthecoolkid erik

Brett Ratner got me a 10,000 dollar grant.
Savage

Pathfinder is a beautiful movie to watch... keep the sound off and it is really quite entertaining.
xerxex

The beard sold me! i think he can do it, as long as he and the screenwriter get creative control.
http://www.ufilmhouse.com eddie adyr

I have been waiting for a Conan movie for ever, I am so happy that Marcus Nispel is taking over this project, his directing style is solid and I also hope the story and scrypt is good.
jebb

Anyone is better than Ratner - but seriously, this would be a perfect job for Peter Berg.
Bahumbug

#6- Ratner is about on the save level as someone like Nispel. Ratner makes emotionless and empty movies in a variety of genres... Nispel does the same thing but for only horror films.
JaiHo

Are they still using that shitty script from the writers of "Sahara"? The idiotic script that reflects nothing of Conan novels or comic books, but seems more appropriate for Beastmaster 7? The script that Ratner helped shape and brainwashed the producers into loving? The same producers who love Ratner and have stated that if Ratner wasn't so busy, they'd still prefer him to direct? Then it doesn't matter who the director is. That script would sink James Cameron. And Nispel has already proven that he's willing to shoot a shitty script at the demands of pushy producers, even in the face of certain box office suicide and professional ridicule.
http://www.ufilmhouse.com eddie adyr

I agree, the producers ultimately have the final say so. If they want the director to film a garbage scrypt then a garbage scrypt will be.
http://Firstshowing.net The_Phantom

I agree with you Alex, I really liked Pathfinder. But for the style, not really so much for the story. (you got to remember it was a FOX movie- an R one too!) And that's what I like about Nispel, his his style of shooting and I think he will end up making a pretty good Conan!
DoomCanoe

wow.... I've hated every movie this man has directed. Pathfinder was soooo bad. TCSM was sooo stupid. and Friday the 13th... although ten fold better then Rob Zombies Halloween was watchable once. Plus we got one guy above saying the script sucks?... gah damn... i love Conan but i am pretty sure I'm going to hate this. although like all of his previous films, ill be suckered in by the trailer. spend 10$ and walk out wishing i didn't waist my time
gabe the Accuser

i hated pathfinder too, but damn... Ratner is bad. GO BACK TO making RUSH HOUR 4,5, and 6 1/2
ralf

bravo Marcus!Pathfinder is good directing movie with bad script...Drasko Andjic in leading role of Conan and Marcus for director chair and sumer blockbuster movie 2010 is here!