Filming for 'The Legend of Conan' is to begin next spring.

The news has been confirmed by the movie's producer Fredrik Malmberg, who revealed the finishing touches are currently being put to the script for the much-anticipated blockbuster.

He said: ''We want to polish up the script, specifically about the characters but don't think it will take long.

''We'll probably have this turned in around September after the holiday and then we'll take it to the studio and if they're happy, we can hopefully start in the spring.''

The new movie is likely to see Arnold Schwarzenegger, 67, reprise the role he played in the 1980s.

Schwarzenegger has repeatedly stated his desire to appear in the role that first brought him to international fame.

He starred in 'Conan the Barbarian' in 1982, which was a huge hit at the box office, and he also appeared in 'Conan the Destroyer' in 1984.

Arnie - the former governor of California - and Malmberg are both hopeful he will be handed the opportunity to reprise the character.

Meanwhile, Malmberg also revealed that potential directors are currently being considered, ranging from ''old great names'' to ''new fresh faces''.