Stephen Lang Offered Conan Villain Role

Stephen Lang's reward for acing his portrayal of the villainous Colonel Quaritch in Avatar could be another showcase role as the colourful bad guy. There's said to be a deal on the table right now that would see Lang taking the part of Khalar Singh in Marcus Nispel's Conan reboot.

Here's how Singh was described in the casting breakdown for the movie:

He's in his 40s to 50s, Asian or Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Mongol, Turkish, or Persian, open to all ethnicities; commanding in size and manner, a warlord and formidable warrior, brilliant, cruel, weathered and tanned by the many campaigns he has waged and won.

From here on out, the description became a little more spoiler-prone. If you aren't averse to plot details, read on...

[Singh] is driven in his quest to find the Queen of Acheron and has been building an empire to do so. His goal is to find the Queen whose blood will bring life to the demonic minions of Acheron while making himself king of this hellish power. With this power, Khalar will protect his legacy against the onslaught of master sorcerer, Thoth-Amon so that his weak son, Fariq may rule after his death.

While riding into a Cimmerian village to recruit his old comrade, Corin, his large collection of mercenaries slaughters them to the last soul when Corin refuses to join them. The village's only survivor was young Conan. When Khalar's search has finally narrowed to the likely discovery of the queen at a monastery of female monks, he also learns Conan is older and hungry for revenge.

It's a no-brainer, then. I can see just why they went to Lang with this – even though none of "Asian or Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Mongol, Turkish, or Persian" really apply. Characters continue to change their skins while Hollywood producers still haven't changed their spots.

Previously on /Film's Casting Conan: Jason Momoa won the lead role, Mickey Rourke started negotiations for the role of Conan's dad, Wrestler Shad Gaspard auditioned for the role of Singh's sidekick (and, according to his latest updates, is still in the running).

Via Latino Review