Between Avatar raking in more money than any other film in the history of Hollywood, and other studios jumping around to upgrade their films for that extra 3D bump, such as Warner pushing back Clash of the Titans so they can go back and convert the film to a more 3D-happy stock, it looks like even more films will be getting this treatment.

IESB recently reported that Lionsgate’s upcoming reboot of Conan the Barbarian (now just titled Conan) will be going 3D, hoping that the film will bring in some of those fans that made Pandora a cash cow. Many other studios have fallen in line with this method, such as MGM changing the release date more than a year so that Joss Whedon’s Cabin in the Woods can get the 3D changeover.

Conan, based on the pulp series by writer Robert E. Howard, will begin filming next month, with Stargate Atlantis actor Jason Momoa stepping in as the sword-swinging barbarian. Mickey Rourke is also rumored to be joining the cast.

The story of Solomon Kane is quite epic, full of demons and monsters, the actual journey of the film getting to domestic theaters seems to be even more interesting. The film has yet to be picked up by an American distributor, which means it could be some time before we ever get to see Michael Bassett’s film in theaters, if at all.

The film follows closely to the original books by Conan and Krull creator Robert E. Howard, while taking some impressive liberties with CG work and effects. The story follows the titular Kane, a priest who sells his soul to the devil tries to redeem his soul by fighting the henchmen of Hell.

Starring Rome’s James Purefoy, with MIchael Bassett adapting the screenplay and taking the helm, the film looks to be making quite a lot of noise in the critics’ circles.

Still no word on when we’ll get to see the entire film, but in the meantime, we’ve been bringing you plenty of clips for you to feast upon. Check out an all-new behind the scenes feature after the jump.

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This week more than one thing involving Conan seems to be getting settled. Yesterday, we told you about Conan O’Brien making a deal with NBC to step away from The Tonight Show. Now, word comes from Deadline Hollywood that Millennium Films, Lionsgate and Paradox Entertainment have chosen an actor to take on the role of Conan the Barbarian in their brand new Conan movie — and that actor is Jason Momoa.

Momoa, who has appeared in Stargate Atlantis and also stars in HBO’s Game of Thrones, reportedly beat Kellan Lutz of Twilight fame for chance to play the titular hero. Apparently, Conan director Marcus Nispel was sold on Momoa, and won over the filmmakers by shooting some test scenes that allowed Momoa to wield a sword and behave very “Schwarzenegger-like.”

The film, which re-boots the Conan franchise and tells the origin of Robert E. Howard’s famous character, is now on course for a March 15 production start in Bulgaria. No word yet on additional casting or a release date but we have heard that producers have reached out to Mickey Rourke to play Conan’s father in the film. More on that as it develops.

The upcoming film Solomon Kane can’t seem to catch a break. Casting allegedly began back in 2001, when it was announced Christopher Lambert (Highlander) would be taking on the Pulp role. That version eventually died out, and the project went on the shelf for several years.

Later, in 2007, it was announced that James Purefoy (Rome) would take on the titular role, with British director Michael Bassett handling the directing duties. Principal photography began in early 2008, and the film wrapped nearly a year later. The film has been completed for quite some time, but has yet to find a US distributor, which means we may never get to actually see it in theaters.

With that said, other countries are still planning on a late December/early January release date, and with that comes some great marketing and clips from the film. After the jump, check out the brand new “Hall of Mirrors” sequence, which shows that the film will have just as much suspense as it will action.

We’ll be sure to bring you more news on a US release of Solomon Kane as it comes to us.

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One of our own Chris Ullrich’s favorite films this year, Solomon Kane, has apparently been acquired for U.S. distribution by Lionsgate, a studio known for supporting genre and independent movies. According to Fangoria, who broke the news, there are rumblings that the film may even get a theatrical run prior to a DVD release.

Horror aficionados might be familiar with director Michael J. Bassett, who previously directed Deathwatch (2002) and Wilderness (2006). Soloman Kane is a character originally created by pulp fiction author Robert E. Howard, of  Conan the Barbarian fame. Stories about the character appeared in Weird Tales magazine in the 1920’s.

James Purefoy stars as the title character, who roams the earth trying to wipe out evil after the devil acquires his soul and he has a change of heart about his evil ways. The movie also stars prolific actor Max Von Sydow (Flash Gordon, Dune, The Tudors). No release date has been given yet but we’ll keep you posted on all the developments.

Solomon Kane, based on Conan creator Robert E. Howard’s series of stories, begins the film slashing his way around the world destroying anything, and anyone, who gets in his way. He even kills his own men, especially when they show cowardice. This tirade of evil comes to a screeching halt once Kane encounters the Devil’s Reaper, whom the devil has sent to collect Kane’s soul.

Kane, barely escaping with his life, realizes his evil ways have led him to this point and decides that he must change if he is to survive. Once he realizes the error of his ways, he then embarks on a new life, relinquishing violence in an effort to achieve redemption.

Of course, if Kane had stuck to that decision, this would be a very short movie indeed. Fortunately, he doesn’t and inevitably must return to his violent ways. But this time around, instead of the greedy, evil mercenary he once was, Kane now has a noble purpose and an actual chance at the redemption he seeks.

The innocent daughter of a Priest (Pete Postlethwaite) who had befriended Kane is taken prisoner and to save her, Kane will do whatever he needs to do — even if that means killing a few people along the way. Plus, an all-consuming evil is threatening to take over England and Kane has decided that man of peace or not, he can’t let that happen.

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There are quite a few big films set to release next year that are already starting their marketing campaign. One of these that we are particularly excited about is Solomon Kane. We were lucky enough to talk to director Michael J. Bassett and star James Purefoy (Rome) in San Diego during Comic-Con, after which we were convinced that this film is worth paying close attention to.

Over the weekend, the first trailer for the film got released, and it only made anticipation for the film greater. For those unaware, the film is based on the character created by Robert E. Howard, who also created Conan. The story follows Solomon Kane, the sword-wielding hero who takes down paranormal evildoers in order to preserve his spot in Heaven.

Check out the first trailer after the break. Even though you might be skeptical about this film, we can assure you that despite not having major studio distribution and it’s similarities to other films such as Van Helsing, this film is sure to be an epic success.

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Rumors and speculation are circulating around the Internets this morning that Lionsgate and NU Image/Millennium films have finally cast the main role of Conan in their upcoming reboot of the franchise. Apparently, 41-year-old Austrian actor Roland Kickinger is in talks to play the title role that Arnold Schwarzenegger made famous in the 1982 classic Conan the Barbarian.

Sure, that makes sense, they want someone similar to Arnold, right? But wait, it gets a bit odder. Like Schwarzenegger, Kickinger is a bodybuilder- turned-actor from Austria. And, Kickinger also had a role as a T-800 in the Terminator franchise, which he plays in Warner Bros.’ current Terminator Salvation. And, to push it even farther over the edge, Kickinger actually played Schwarzenegger in a movie — the 2005 A&E biopic about the actor-turned-politician called See Arnold Run. I know, right?

For the moment, the deal isn’t done and few details on the new movie have been revealed. Filming is expected to start in the fall in Bulgaria and as we told you before, Marcus Nispel, of New Line’s recent Friday the 13th reboot, is set to direct. At least if Kicklinger does end up playing the role of Conan, his name is a lot easier to spell — which is great for those of us who will have to write it a thousand times until the movie comes out.