Conan: Red Nails

Wasn’t there an animated Conan movie?

Yes, Conan: Red Nails was announced as a direct-to-DVD movie in the vein of recent Marvel and DC movies.

What’s it about?

It may be hard to believe, but this is going to be the first ever feature-length adaptation of a Robert E. Howard story: the five previous cinematic Howard adaptations are all original stories based loosely on his characters and settings. The tale in question, “Red Nails,” is one of the most celebrated Conan stories, and considered by many to be one of Howard’s finest tales altogether. It is a tale which encapsulates all of Howard’s themes and elements, with a powerful heroine, intimidating villain, fascinating setting, and plenty of action, sensuality and adventure.

So what’s taking so long?

Apparently, production has halted due to many factors, and is at a halt. Its current status is unknown.

Who’s voicing Conan?

Ron Perlman.

Hey, didn’t Ron Perlman do Conan in the video game?

Yes, he did.

Awesome!  So who’s voicing the other characters?

Conan: Red Nails boasts a fairly star-studded cast: Mark Hamill as Tolkemec, Clancy Brown as Olmec, James Marsden as Techotl, Marg Helgenberger as Tascela, and Cree Summer as Valeria.

Wait, Valeria?

Yes, Valeria.

… Didn’t she die in Conan the Barbarian?

You’re thinking of a different Valeria: this is the Valeria of the original Robert E. Howard story “Red Nails,” who is, aside from sharing her name and some characteristics, unrelated to the Valeria of Conan the Barbarian.